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Pennsylvania Bird Life 


A MANUAL 


OF THE 


Birds of Pennsylvania: 


TREATING ESPECIALLY OF THEIR FOOD, FROM EXAMINATIONS OF SEVERAL 
THOUSAND STOMACHS, MADE DURING ALL SEASONS OF THE 
YEAR, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF THE BIRDS, 
thf;ir NESTS, EGGS AND HABITS. 


, 



Ornithologist Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture, Ornithologist 
Pennsylvania State Horticultural Society, Associate Member American Ornithol¬ 
ogists’ Union, Corresponding Member of the Linn^ean Society of New 
York, Etc., Author of the Report on the Birds of Penn¬ 
sylvania, Issued in 1888, and Revised, Enlarged 
and Republished in 1890 by Authority 


of the Legislature. 


PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED 

By colored plates, on which are shown nearly 300 birds, and numerous uncolored 

illustrations. 



SEP 24 1892 


PUBLISHED IIV THE AUTHOR 


West Chester, penn’a : 



1892. 









Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1892, by 
B. H. Warren, M. D., 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. 


TO 


BENJAMIN MATLACK EVERHART 


THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED 


AS A TOKEN OF REGARD FOR HIS CHARACTER AS A 
CITIZEN, BOTANIST AND FRIEND, 


AND HIS LOVE FOR THE FEATHERED INHABITANTS 
OF FOREST, FIELD AND MARSH. 


(iii) 


PUBLISHER’S NOTE. 


In order to meet the unprecedented demand which has arisen from all sections of 
the country for the report on the Birds of Pennsylvania—popularly known as the 
‘‘Bird-book” (nineteen thousand copies of which were published by authority of 
the legislature of 1889), it has been determined to print the work as a private enter¬ 
prise and place it on sale, thus rendering it possible for all who are interested in the 
subject of Ornithology, and especially in studying the relations of birds to agricul¬ 
ture, to procure the book at an outlay of about one-fifth the price usually charged for 
similar publications, containing such a large number of handsomely colored and 
life-like illustrations. In addition to the matter contained in the “ Birds of Penn¬ 
sylvania ” (revised edition 1890) considerable new letter press and numerous uncol¬ 
ored illustrations have been added, thereby materially adding to the worth of the 
volume as a hand-book to the ornithological or oological student and tourist, as well 
as sportsmen, either hunters or anglers. 

The colored lithographic plates illustrate one hundred and sixty (160) different 
species, and nearly three hundred (300) birds, adults and young, are figured, with, 
in many instances, very accurate delineations of the nests of some of the best known 
species of our native birds. With the exception of a few ducks, some warblers and a 
small number of other species, all the birds which are commonly met with in the 
Keystone State, either throughout the year or during any particular season, are 
shown in colors with remarkable fidelity to nature. This work can be obtained at 
the following prices from the author or from the Meyers Publishing House (agent), 
Harrisburg, Penn’a, U. S, A. 


Style 1, Cloth,.$4 00 

Style 2, Half morocco, sprinkled edges,. 5 00 

Style 3, Full morocco, gilt edges.. 6 00 

N. B.—Special terms to live and responsible agents. 


/ 


(iv) 











CONTENTS 


Page. 

List of Plates,. vii 

Introduction,. xi 

Order Pygopodes—Diving Birds. 1 

Family Podicipidae—The Grebes,. 1 

Urinatoridae—The Loons. 6 

Alcidae—The Auks, Murres and Puffins,. 8 

Order Longipennes—Long-winged Swimmers,. 10 

Family Stercorariidae—The Jaegers,. 10 

Laridae—The Gulls and Terns,. 13 

Rynchopidae—The Skimmers. 24 

Order Tubinares—Tube-nosed Swimmers,.<,. 25 

Family Procellariidae—The Shearwaters and Petrels,. 25 

Order Steganopodes—Totipalmate Swimmers, . 28 

Family Phalacrocoracidae—The Cormorants,. 28 

Pelecanida?—The Pelicans,. 29 

Order Anseres—Lamellirostral Swimmers,. 30 

Family Anatidae—The Ducks, Geese and Swans,... 30 

Order Herodiones— Herons, Egrets, etc.,. 53 

Family Ibididae—The Ibises,. 53 

Ciconiidae—The Wood Ibises,. 53 

Ardeidae—The Herons, Bitterns, etc., . . *. 54 

Order Paludicolae— Rails, Coots, etc.,. 67 

Rallidae—The Rails, Gallinules, etc.,. 67 

Order Limicolae—Shore Birds,. 75 

Family Phalaropodidae—The Phalaropes,. 75 

Scolopacidae—The Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.,. 77 

Charadriidae—The Plovers,. 97 

Aphrizidae—The Turnstones,. 103 

Order Gallinae—Gallinaceous Birds,. 104 

Family Tetraonidae—The Grouse. Partridges, etc.,. 104 

Phasianidae—The Turkeys,. 109 

Order Columbae— Pigeons, ... 110 

Family Columbidae—Pigeons,. 110 

Order Raptores—Birds of Prey, . 114 

Family Cathartidae—The American Vultures,. 114 

Falconidae—The Hawks, Eagles, etc.,. 117 

Strigidae—The Barn Owls,. 144 

Bubonidae—The Horned Owls, etc .. 146 

Order Coccyges—Cuckoos, etc., . 159 

Family Cuculidae—The Cuckoos,. 159 

Alcedinidae—The Kingfishers,. 162 

Order Pici—Woodpeckers, ... 164 

Family Picidae—The Woodpeckers,.164 

Insects that Woodpeckers eat. 176 

Order Macrochires—Goatsuckers, Swifts,. 178 

Family Caprimulgidae—The Whip-poor-will and Nighthawk,. 178 

Micropodidae—Swifts. 182 

Trochilidae—Hummingbirds, . 183 

Order Passeres—Perching Birds, . . .. 186 

Family Tyrannidae—The Flycatchers,. 186 

Alaudidae—Larks, . 197 

Corvidae—The Crows and Jays.* . . 198 

Icteridae—The Blackbirds, Orioles, etc.,. 205 

Fringillidae— The Finches, Sparrows, etc., .. 224 

Tanagridae—The Tanagers,. 250 


(v) 





























































VI 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Order Passeres— Continued. 

Page. 

Family Hirundinidae—The Swallows,. 252 

Ampelidae—The Waxwings,'. 257 

Laniidse—The Shrikes,. 259 

Vireonidae—The Vireos,. 262 

Mniotiltidas— 1 The Wood-Warblers,. 267 

Motacillidae—The Wagtails,. 303 

Troglodytidaj—The Wrens, Thrashers, etc.,. 304 

Certhiidas—The Creepers,. 313 

Paridae—The Nuthatches and Tits,. 314 

Sylviidue—The Kinglets and Gnateatchers,. 320 

Turdidae—The Thrushes, Bluebirds, etc.,. 324 


APPENDIX. 


Birds of Prey and the “Scalp ” Act of June 23, 1885,. 333 

Food of Hawks and Owls,... 346 

The Food of Crows, .. 367 

The English Sparrow, . 394 

Some Nocturnal Migrants, ... 400 

Protection of Birds, . 402 

List of Authorities,. 404 

Glossary of Technical Terms,. 411 

Index, . . 425 

Section 1—Descriptions of Additional Species, etc.,. 437 

Section 2—Birds of the Delaware Valley,.. 440 

Section 3—Western Pennsylvania Field Notes,. 442 

Notes on the Avifauna of Beaver, Butler and Armstrong Counties,. 442 

Additional Notes from Beaver County,. 445 

Birds of Allegheny County,. 446 

Birds of Greene County,. 447 

Section 4—Miscellaneous Notes. . 448 

Section 5—How to Collect, Prepare and Preserve Specimens,. 450 

Collecting Birds. 451 

How to Skin a Bird. 452 

Cleaning the Plumage,. 458 

Methods of Making Bird-Skins,. 458 

Salted Skins. 461 

Mounting Birds. 463 

How to Prepare Birds' Eggs,. 466 

Section 6 —The Vacation Season,. 467 

Fur, Fin and Feather, . . . 467 

Conneaut Lake; Safe Harbor, . 468 

Fite’s Eddy; Peach Bottom; Port Deposit,. 469 

White Perch and Moccasin, . 479 

The Philadelphia and Erie Railroad, . ... 470 

Lake Erie and the Bay,. . 471 

Kane, McKean County, ... 471 

Emporium, Cameron County,. 473 

Clinton County,. 474 

The Diamond Valley,... 476 


Index to Supplement, 


479 























































LIST OF PLATES 


The greater part of the illustrations in this report have been copied (some alterations as to 
positions, etc., have been made in nearly all) from the small edition of “ Audubon’s Birds of 
America.” By copying from said work which is regarded by competent critics as containing 
many of the finest portrayals of birds that have ever been published, the cost (ten to twenty-five 
dollars per plate) of original drawings was saved. The birds—most of the smaller species are 
about two-thirds or one-half the natural size ; in larger species the reductions are greater—have 
been colored from specimens in the author’s collection, or from those kindly loaned to him by 
Prof. Robert Ridgway, Curator Department of Birds, United States National Museum, Wash¬ 
ington, D. C. 

Plates. 

1. Figures illustrating terms used in descriptions. 

2. Horned Grebe (Colymbus auritus). 

3. Hooded Merganser ( Lopbodytes eucuUatus). 

4. Wood Duck (Aixsponsa). 

5. American Bittern ( Botaurus lentiginosus). 

6. Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax ncevius) 

7. Sora ( Porzana Carolina). 

8. American Coot ( Fulica americana). 

9. Wilson’s Snipe ( Gallinago delicata) 

10. Solitary Sandpiper ( Totanus solitarius). 

11. Killdeer LE gialitis vocifera). 

12. Bob-white or Partridge ( Colinus virginianus). 

13. Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius). 

14. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox). 

15. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis). 

16. Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo latissimus). 

Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius). 

17. Barn Owl (Strix pratincola). 

18. Screech Owl (Megascops asio). 

19. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). 

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrnns). 

Blue-winged Warbler (Helminthophila pinus). 

20. Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon). 

21. Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanei pes erythrocephalus). 

22. Flicker (Colaptes auratus). 

23. Nighthawk (Chordeiles virginianus). 

Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus). 

24. Kingbird (Tyrannus turannus). 

25. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata). 

26. Bobolink or Reedbird (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). 

27. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius pheeniceus). 

28. Meadowlark (Stumella magna). 

29. Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). 

30. Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus). 

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella socialis). 

Song Sparrow (Melospiza fasciata). 

31. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis). 

Pine Finch (Spinus pinus). 

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca). 

32. Vesper Sparrow ( Poococtes gramineus). 

Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla). 

Yellow-winged Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum passerinus). 

(vii) 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


viii 


Plates. 

33. English Sparrow (Passer domesticus). 

Snowbird (Junco hyemalis). 

34. Cardinal or Winter Red-bird (Cardinalis cardinalis ). 

35. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Habia ludoviciana). 

36. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea). 

37. Scarlet Tanager ( Piranga erythromelets). 

38. Tree or White Bellied Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor). 

39. Cedar Wax wing (Ampelis cedrorum). 

40. Red-eyed Yireo (Vireo olivaceus). 

41. Yellow Warbler (Dendroica cestiva). 

42. Maryland Yellow-throat <Geothlypis trichas). 

43. American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla). 

44. Brown Thrush (Harporhynchus rufus). 

45. House Wren (Troglodytes aedon). 

46. White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). 

47. Chickadee or Black-cap Titmouse (Parus atricapillus). 

48. Golden-crested or Crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa). 

49. American Robin ( Merula migratoria). 

50. Bluebird (Sialia sialis ). 

51. Loon (Urinator imber). 

52. Bonaparte’s Gull ( Larus Philadelphia). 

53. Least Tern ( Sterna antillarum). 

54. Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons). 

Barn Swallow (Chelidon erythrogaster). 

55. Green Heron (Ardea virescens). 

56. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Trochilus colubris) 

57. American Crow (Corvus americanus). 

Cowbird (Mololhrus ater,) 

58. Purple Martin (Progne subis). 

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis). 

59. American Golden-eye (Glaucionetta clangula americana). 

60. Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis.) 

Buffle-head (Charitonetta albeola). 

61. Purple Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula). 

Bronzed Grackle (.Quiscalus quiscula ceneus). 

62. Red Head (Aythya americana). 

Lesser Scaup Duck (Aythya afflnis). 

Old-squaw (Clangula hyemalis ), 

63. Ruddy Duck (Erismatura rubida). 

64. Wild Goose (Branta canadensis). 

65. Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus). 

66. Florida Gallinule (Gallinula galeata). 

Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata). 

67. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). 

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperi). 

68. Bartramian Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda). 

69. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias.) 

70. Pileated Woodpecker (Ceophlccus pileatus). 

71. Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius ), 

Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macroura). 

72. Catbird (Galeoscoptes carolinensis). 

Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis). 

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus). 

73. Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea). 
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica). 

74. Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). 

75. Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius). 

76. Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus). 

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens). 

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). 

77. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker (Sphyrapicus varius). 

78. Virginia Rail (Rallus virginianus). 

Least Sandpiper (Tringa minutilla). 

79 American Woodcock (Philoliela minor). 

80. American Osprey (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis). 


















LIST OF PLA TES. 


IX 


Plates. 

81. Greater Yellow-legs (Totanus melanoleucus). 

Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia). 

Semipalmated Sandpiper (Ereunetes pusillus). 

82. American Golden Plover (Charadrius dominicus). 
Turnstone (Arenaria interpres). 

83. American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus). 

84. Bald Eagle ( Haliceetus leucocephalus). 

85. Duck Hawk ( Falco peregrinus anatum). 

Pigeon Hawk (Falco columbarius). 

88. American Long-eared Owl (Asio wilsonianus). 

Short-eared Owl (Asia accipitrmus). 

87. Barred Owl ( Symium nebulosum). 

Saw-whet Owl (Nyctala acadica). 

88. Snowy Owl (Nyctea nyctea). 

89. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). 

Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus). 

90. Chimney Swift (Chcetura pelagica). 

Bank Swallow (Clivicola riparia). 

91. Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus). 

Phoebe (Sayornis phcebe). 

Wood Pewee (Contopus virens). 

Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax acadicus). 

92. Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertina.) 

Brown Creeper (Certhia familiaris americana). 

Black and White Warbler (Mniotilta varia). 

93. American Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator canadensis). 
American Crossbill (Loxxa curvirostra minor). 
White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera). 

94. Tree Sparrow (Spizella monticola). 

Snowflake (Plectrophenax nivalis). 

Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica maculosa). 

Worm-eating Warbler ( Helmitherus vermivoruss 

95. White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis ), 
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). 

Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus). 

Water Thrush (Seiurus noveboracensis). 

96. Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis). 

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). 
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens). 

Gray-cheeked Thrush (Turdus alicice). 

97. Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens). 
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendrtnca ccerulescens). 
Parula (Compsothlypis americana). 

98. Hooded Warbler (Sylvania mitrata) 

Myrtle Warbler (Dendroica coronata). 

Kentucky Warbler yOeothlypsis formosa) 

Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica blackburnke). 

99. Tufted Titmouse (Parus tricolor). 

Mocking bird (Mimus polyglottos). 

Oven bird (Seiurus aurocapillus). 

100. Wood Thrush (Turdus mustelinus). 

Olive-backed Thrush (Turdus ustulatus swainsonii). 
Hermit Thrush (Turdus aonalaschkce pallasii). 

Wilson’s Thrush (Turdus fuscescens). 


















(X) 














INTRODUCTION. 


The State of Pennsylvania is situated between 39° 43' and 42° 15' 
north latitude, and between 74° 42' and 80° 35' west longitude from 
Greenwich. It is bounded on the north by New York and Lake Erie; 
on the east by New York and New Jersey, being separated from the 
latter state by the Delaware river; on the south by Delaware, Maryland 
and West Virginia, and on the west by Ohio and West Virginia. Its 
length from east to west is about three hundred and ten miles, and about 
one hundred and sixty miles in width (“except at the angle at Lake 
Erie where it is one hundred and seventy-five ”)• It contains an area of 
28,808,443 acres, of which only about 15,004,962 were improved in 1889. 

“Face of the Country. —No state in the Union presents a greater variety of sur¬ 
face than Pennsylvania. Though they do not rise to any great elevation (seldom 
above 2,000 feet), its mountains spread over about one-fourth of the state in parallel 
ridges, in a direction generally from northeast to southwest, and occupy the southern, 
central and eastern counties. Though all forming parts of the great Appalachian 
chain, they are known by various local appellations. Commencing below Easton, 
on the Delaware, we have the South mountain ; then in order, proceeding west or 
northwest, the Blue or Kittatinny mountain (both entering the state from New 
Jersey, and passing southwest into Maryland), and the Broad mountain, which lies 
south of the North Branch of the Susquehanna. We now cross the river just men¬ 
tioned, but still have with us the Broad mountain, under the name of the Tuscarora; 
passing which, we come upon another ridge, lying mostly south of the Juniata river, 
known as Sideling Hill; which is succeeded in turn by the Allegheny mountains 
proper, the dividing ridge between the Atlantic slope and the Mississippi valley. 
Descending the very gradual Ohio slope, we cross two inferior but well-defined 
chains, known as Laurel and Chestnut Ridges. As before stated, these mountains 
do not rise to a great height; the South mountain is within 1,000, and the Blue 
mountains within 1,500 feet. Broad mountain is said to rise higher above its immedi¬ 
ate base than the Allegheny range, but to be inferior to them in elevation above the 
sea. These different ranges are separated by valleys, now contracted within narrow 
limits, and now spreading out to a width of from fifteen to thirty miles. The entire 
belt in Pennsyl vania spreads over a space of two hundred miles—the greatest breadth 
the Allegheny range attains in its whole course from Maine to Alabama. In the 
southern part of the state the, mountains become high and rugged hills ; the west is 
also hilly, and the southeast and northwest moderately so, but occasionally level. 
The rivers of the western part of the state, cutting their way through the table-land, 
present sometimes precipitous shores of several hundred feet in height, and many 
valleys bear evident marks of their having been formed by running water.” 

(xi) 







Xll 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


“Climate. —The climate of Pennsylvania is variable, and liable to sudden extremes, 
having sometimes the heat of the Carolinas, and at others the cold of Canada, but in 
periods generally of only three days, intermingled in summer with sharp winds 
from the northwest, and mitigated in winter by the milder breezes from the south¬ 
west. Periods of warm weather sometimes occur in January and February. * * * 
The mountainous region has a greater degree of cold, and the snows are deeper and 
lie longer than in other portions. In the west the climate is milder and less vari¬ 
able than in the east.” 

“ Rivers, Lakes, Etc. —The only lake of importance in this state is Lake Erie, 
which forms its northwest boundary for about fifty miles. The Delaware, which 
rises in the southeast part of New York, and flows southerly, separates New York 
and New Jersey from Pennsylvania and Delaware, and empties into Delaware Bay. 
It is navigable for large ships to Philadelphia, about ninety-six miles from the sea, 
and for sloops and steamboats to Trenton, thirty miles further up. The Susque¬ 
hanna, the largest river in the state, enters Pennsylvania from New York, and flow¬ 
ing southerly for four hundred miles, crosses the entire state, dividing it into two 
unequal portions, having the larger part on the west. This river is not navigable, 
except at high-water in the spring and autumn, when large quantities of timber are 
floated down it in rafts. * * * Owing to its rapid descent to within a few miles of 
the Chesapeake Bay, into which it flows, it is but little affected by the tides. Its 
principal tributaries are the West Branch and Juniata from the west, and the Swatara 
and Conestoga from the east. Between the Susquehanna and Delaware are the 
Lehigh and Schuylkill, affluents of the Delaware, and each about one hundred miles 
in length. The Ohio, which is formed by the union of the Allegheny from the 
north, and the Monongahela from the south, drains the western part of the state, 
having about fifty miles of its course in Pennsylvania. It is navigable for large 
steamboats to its head at Pittsburgh. The Allegheny is about three hundred and 
the Monongahela two hundred miles in length, and both, at high-water, are navi¬ 
gable, the former two hundred and the latter sixty miles, for small steamers. The 
Youghiogheny, a branch of the Monongahela, and the Beaver, a branch of the Ohio, 
are small rivers. Canals coast most of these rivers, except the Monongahela and 
Youghiogheny, to a greater or less extent.”— Lippincott’s Gazetteer. 

Lake Erie is the only lake of commercial importance, but there are nume¬ 
rous small lakes in many parts of the state, especially in the counties 
of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Wyoming, where different kinds 
of water fowl repair during migrations. Although numerous species of 
aquatic birds visit Conneaut Lake, in Crawford county, and Lake Pleasant, 
in Erie county, they are found in greater numbers at Presque Isle Bay 
(also called Erie Bay) than elsewhere in the state. 

In this present work the classification, nomenclature and geographical 
limits correspond with the A. O. U. Check List of North American Birds,* 
a publication representing the joint labors of a “ Committee on Classifi- 
sation and Nomenclature ” appointed by the Union at its first congress, 
held in New York city, September 26-29, 1883. This committee con¬ 
sisting of such eminent naturalists as Dr. Elliott Coues, J. A. Allen, Robert 
Ridgway, William Brewster, and H. W. Henshaw, assisted by Dr. Leon- 

•The Code of Nomenclature | and | Check List | of North American Birds. | Adopted by the American 
Ornithologists’ Union. | Being the Report of the Committee of the Union on Classification and Nomen¬ 
clature. | (Motto.) |-| New York: | American Ornithologists’ Union. | 1880. [8 vo. pp. i-viii, 1-392 

For sale by L, S. Foster, No. 35 Pine street, New York city. Price $3.00. 









INTRODUCTION. 


xm 


hard Stejneger, was most competent to recommend the many changes, 
etc., which were adopted and published by the American Ornithologists’ 
Union. 

Although the greater portion of the descriptions (specific characters) 
are original, haying been taken principally from specimens in the author’s 
collection, it has been necessary, in a number of instances, inconsequence 
of the lack of sufficient material, to quote from one or the other of the 
following-named authorities: “ Baird’s Birds of North America,” * * * * § Coues’ 
Key, f Ridgway’s Manual of North American Birds, J History of North 
American Birds,§ and the Water Birds of North America. || 

All quotations, however, have been carefully credited to the proper 
authorities. The present report is a brief summary of field observa¬ 
tions made by the writer, during the past ten or twelve years, in the 
State of Pennsylvania, with numerous notes from naturalists and collec¬ 
tors, in nearly every county in the commonwealth. 

In order that the descriptions of birds on the succeeding pages may 
be clearly understood, the figures on Plate 1, with the following ex¬ 
planations are given: 

1. Maxilla or upper mandible. 

2. Lower mandible. 

3. Forehead; also called front and frons. 

4. Iris. 

5. Upper part of throat including chin. 

6. Lower part of throat or foreneck: Jugulum. 

**-Baird's Birds of North America. | 3 2dSess1on SS ’ [ Senate - j E No. D< 78! j-I Reports | of | Explora¬ 

tions and Surveys, i to j ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad | from the | 
Mississippi River to Pacific Ocean. | Made under the direction | of the Secretary of War, in | 1853-6, | ac¬ 
cording to acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5. 1851 | — | Volume IX | — | Wash¬ 
ington : | Beverly Tucker, Printer | 1858. | Subtitled as follows : Explorations and Surveys for a railroad 
route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. | War Department | = | Birds: | by Spencer F. Baird, 

| Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institution. | With the co-operation of | John Cassin and George N. 
Lawrence | — | Washington, D. C, | 1858. pp. i-lvi, 1-1005. 

+Key ] to | North American Birds, | containing a concise^account of every species of living and fossil 
bird at present known from the continent north of the Mexican and United States boundary, inclusive of 
Greenland and lower California. | with which are incorporated | General Ornithology. | An outline of the 
structure and classification of birds | and | Field Ornithology | a manual of collecting, preparing and pre¬ 
serving birds. | The third edition | exhibitingthe new nomenclature of the American Ornithologists’ Union ; 
and including descriptions of additional species, etc. | By Elliott Coues, A. M., M, D., Ph. D.. etc. | 
Profusely illustrated | (pp. i-x. 1-xxx. 1-895 | Boston (Mass.), Estes and Lauriat. | 1887. | [Price $7.50]. 

*A | manual | of | North American Birds. | by Robert Ridgway (Curator Department of Birds U. S. 

National Museum and Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C.). i Illustrated by 464 outline drawings 
of the generic characters". | Philadelphia | J. B. Lippincott Company. | 1877. | [pp. i-xi, 1-631. Price $7.50, 

II. K. Coale. agent. Chicago. Illinois. 

§ A | History | of | North | American Birds | by | S. F. Baird. T. M. Brewer and R. Ridgway | Land 
Birds | illustrated by 64 plates and 593 wood cuts | Volume I [-Hi], [Vignette] | Boston | Little, Brown 
and Company | 1874. (Size 4to. pages about 1800. ) 

HMemoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College. \ ols. xiiandxiii. The Water 
Birds of North America. By S. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer and It. Ridgway. Issued in continuation of the 
publications of the Geological Survey of California. J. D. Whitney, State Geologist, Boston. Little, 
Brown and Company. 1884. [Illustrated by numerous wood -cuts; pages 1104], 







xiv BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

7. Breast or pectus, also spoken of as pectoral region. 

8. Wing-coverts (greater, middle and lesser). 

9. Bastard or spurious wing. 

10. Occiput. 

11. Tertiaries, tertials, or tertiary quills. 

12. Scapulars or scapular feathers. 

13. Abdomen or belly. 

14. Lower tailcoverts; crissum. 

15. Crown or top of head. 

A. Culmem 

B. Cere. 

C. Lore or loral space. 

D. Gape or rictus. 

E. Commissure. 

F. Ear-coverts or auriculars. 

The writer is under many obligations to Mr. George B. Sennett, of 
Erie; Prof. August Kock, of Williamsport; Dr. Walter Van Fleet, of 
Benovo; Dr. John W. Detweiler, of Bethlehem— all gentlemen well versed 
in ornithological science—and others* who have spared no pains to assist 
in securing reliable information relating to our feathered fauna. To Mr. 
Benjamin M. Everhart, of West Chester, a gentlemen who deservedly 
ranks as one of the foremost botanical authorities in this country, the 
writer is particularly indebted for much valuable assistance in the prepa¬ 
ration of the present work. Mr. Everhart, although especially interested 
in the study of cryptogamic botany, has for over forty years devoted 
much attention to the study of birds, and while he has become eminent 
in botanical circles his knowledge of the feathered tribes is such that he 
is one of the best orinthologists in the state. The copious field notes 
(manuscript) of Mr. Everhart, also his large and valuable scientific 
library, having been placed at the disposal of the writer, a considerable 
amount of interesting and valuable matter has been given on the follow¬ 
ing pages that would not otherwise have been obtained. 

THE AUTHOR. 

West Chester, Pa. 

January , 1892. 

*See Appendix, List of Authorities, pp. 408-410. 











! 






4 . 


Plate I. 



— fftbicL. 


<Sarsus. 


Soes. 







































































































































































































• i 






Birds of Pennsylvania. 


ORDER PYGOPODES. DIVING BIRDS. 

Suborder PODICIPEDES. Grebes. 

Family PODICIPID.®. Grebes. 

THE GREBES. 

Grebes during the spring and fall migrations are very generally distributed 
throughout the state, and during mild winters birds of this family are often seen 
about the larger lakes, ponds and rivers in different sections of the commonwealth. 
Although these birds are generally observed singly or in pairs, occasionally, a good- 
sized flock is to be found. In relation to the Grebes in general it can be stated that, 
unless flying, they are almost always to be seen in the water. The several species 
of this family, owing to the posterior situation of their legs, move with considerable 
difficulty when on the ground, over which they go in a slow, floundering manner. 
Grebes, like some other kinds of aquatic birds when wounded, will conceal them¬ 
selves in weeds and grasses, which grow so luxuriantly in their favorite watery 
retreats, where they will remain for a considerable period of time with only their 
slender, tapering bills above the water’s surface. They swim and dive with the 
utmost facility ; when swimming beneath the water’s surface, either in quest of prey 
or to escape capture, it is said they use their wings in the same manner as when 
flying in the air. Their well-known habit of diving when alarmed, and particularly 
if shot at, has won for them the common name of “ Hell-divers.” The Grebe’s nest 
consists of a thick, matted mass of vegetation, such as reeds, flags, grasses, etc. 
Sometimes the nest is built close to the water, but usually, according to Mr. Ridg- 
way,* it is to be found “floating upon the surface of the water in grassy or sedgy 
ponds or marshes.” The same eminent authority describes the eggs as follows: 
“2-5, dull white, bluish white, or very pale bluish green, usually stained more or 
less (often quite deeply) w r ith light brown, by contact with decomposed vegetable 
matter.” With the exception of the Pied-billed Grebe (Poctilymbus podiceps), rep¬ 
resentatives of this family occurring in Pennsylvania breed, generally, north of the 
United States. Grebes subsist chiefly on fishes, frogs, various aquatic insects— 
especially beetles—and to a limited extent on different water plants. They confer 
no special benefits, nor are they in any particular detrimental to agricultural inter¬ 
ests. Their flesh, quite tough and disagreeable to the taste, is seldom eaten, the 
feathers, however, are considerably used by milliners, and by furriers for muffs, etc. 
For these purposes the beautiful silvery-white plumage of the breast and abdomen 
is taken. 

Bill acute and hard, variable in length, straight or decurved at end ; higher than 
wide. Head with a naked loral space, and furnished either with bristly or variously 
elongated feathers, usually called tufts or crests. These crests, which render the 

* A | Manual 1 of | North American Birds. | by j Robert Ridgway. | illustrated by4t»4 outline drawings of 
the generic characters. | Philadelphia. | J. B. J.ippincott Company. | 1887 | . 

1 Birds. 









2 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

birds especially conspicuous, are commonly seen in specimens taken during the 
spring migrations or in the breeding season. Adults of both sexes are adorned with 
the parti-colored head, crests or ruffs, which disappear, however, when the birds 
assume their winter dress. The young, in winter, as well as the old birds, are very 
materially different from the adults in their nuptial plumage. Tail represented by 
a small tuft of downy feathers. Feet four-toed, all broadly lobed, but not webbed ; 
the three front toes are connected at base by webs ; hind toe, short free and elevated. 
Claws wide, ffat and short, that of hind toe being very small. The peculiar paddle¬ 
like toes and the rudimentary tail will readily enable one to recognize a member of 
the Grebe family. 

Genus COLYMBUS Linnaeus. 

Colymbus holboellii (Reinil). 

Holboell’s Grebe. 

Description. 

Adult.— Bill about two inches long, acute and tapering, somewhat shorter than the 
head and a triffe shorter than the tarsus ; upper mandible black except tomia at base 
and portion of base at sides which is yellow. Lower mandible chiefly yellow except 
on sides which are dark bluish or nearly black. Narrow, naked and blackish strip 
extending from eyes to bill; legs and feet blackish on outside, greenish yellow on 
inside. Top of head and back of neck black, with a greenish tint and somewhat 
glossy ; the glossy green hue fades gradually at back of neck. Feathers of upper 
parts b*‘ownish-black, more or less glossy and edged with grayish ; primaries brown¬ 
ish ; secondaries white with black or brown shafts, some secondaries are tipped with 
brownish. Throat and side of head ash-gray, the latter separated from black of head 
by a white streak extending from under eye backward ; feathers about lower man¬ 
dible are also quite white; front of neck and especially the sides reddish brown; 
lining of the wings white. Under parts silvery white, more or less mottled with 
grayish, sides dusky. In some specimens the rich reddish-brown on sides of neck 
extends in small patches over the upper part of breast. Crests or ruffs but slightly 
developed. 

Adult in winter and young. —Upper bill blackish-horn, yellowish at base and 
on tomial edges ; lower bill mainly yellowish ; eyes dark ; crests hardly notice¬ 
able ; upper parts brownish-black, head quite black ; throat, sides of head and 
abdomen white ; front part of neck and sides brownish-ash. Length about 18^ 
inches ; extent about 32. 

Habitat. —North America at large, including Greenland. Also eastern Siberia 
and southward to Japan. Breeds in high latitudes, migrating south in winter. 

This bird, the largest of all the Grebe family found in Pennsylvania, 
migrates far northward to rear its young. Mr. E. W. Nelson, in his 
“ Report upon Natural History Collections made in Alaska ,” states that 
“ this species was not uncommon along the coast of Norton Sound in the 
fall, and a few isolated pairs nested each summer in the marshes. 
Along the course of the Yukon they are much more common, and breed 
in considerable numbers.” Holboell’s Grebe, called also the Red-necked 
Grebe, is by no means as common with us as either of the other species 
hereafter mentioned. Specimens of this bird have been taken in differ¬ 
ent parts of the state during the spring, fall and winter months. From 
information which I have received, through the courtesy of naturalists 
and collectors in all sections of the state, it is learned that in the past 
twenty-five years only about a dozen of these Grebes have been cap- 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


3 


tured, identified and preserved in onr commonwealth, and these, with 
perhaps two or three exceptions, have been secured on the Susquehanna 
and Allegheny rivers. In the spring of 1888 Mr. George P. Friant, re¬ 
siding at Scranton, Pennsylvania, obtained a fine adult male of this 
species which had killed itself by flying through the glass in a green¬ 
house of one of his neighbors. Mr. James S. Nease, a careful collector, 
residing in Washington, Pennsylvania, has observed this bird in his 
county only as a rare winter visitor. 

Mr. August Koch, the well-known Lycoming county (Penna.) natur¬ 
alist, in a letter of June 26, 1889, addressed to me, says, in reference to 
Holboell’s Grebe, “ I know of three instances only, when taken in our 
locality (yet it may occur often). The first time in winter about twenty 
years ago; next in the spring of 1886, when nine of these birds were 
noticed in a flock and several taken. My specimen is a male in spring 
dress. Another male in full winter plumage was kindly left to my dis¬ 
position by Mr. Charles H. Eldon; it was taken the winter of 1888.” 
Mr. L. M. Turner, of Arctic fame, in his “ Contributions to the Natural 
History of Alaska,” remarks that “the Eskimo name of this Grebe is 
E-ta-td-tuk, from its note ta-ta-ta .” The stomachs of two of these birds 
examined by me contained principally sand, blades of grass, small roots 
and feathers. 

Colymbus auritus Linn. 

Horned Grebe; Dipper Duck ; Little Hell Diver; Little Fish Duck. 

Description ( Plate 2). 

Adult. —Bill black, with yellow or whitish tip, about 1 inch long and considerably 
shorter than head ; iris carmine, witli a fine inner circle of white ; crests and ruft's 
well developed ; head and ruff glossy black (in some specimens of a greenish hue). 
A brownish-yellow band, darkest in color between eyes and bill, runs over eyes and 
unites with long occipital tufts (horns) of same color ; plumage of upper parts dark 
brown, margined with white and gray; secondaries chiefly white; primaries 
brownish-gray; greater part of neck, upper breast and also portions of the sides 
reddish-brown, rest of sides dusky ; lining of the wings white ; lower parts silvery- 
white ; legs brownish, yellow or greenish on inside. 

Young.— Bill blackish-brown ; iris yellowish ; ruffs and crests slightly developed ; 
upper parts brownish-gray ; feathers on back more or less edged with white or 
grayish ; chin, throat, sides of head white ; abdomen and breast silvery-white ; tarsi 
and feet brownish. Length about 14 inches; extent about 25 inches. 

Habitat. —Northern hemisphere. Breeds from northern United States northward. 

This species is recorded as quite a common winter resident through¬ 
out the United States, and although sometimes found nesting within 
our northern limits, it retires chiefly north of the United States during 
the breeding period (middle of May to middle of August). Audubon 
{Birds of America) states that he found, in Ohio, near Lake Erie, in the 
month of July, nests containing eggs in which incubation was well 
advanced. Dr. Coues {Birds of the Northivest) mentions that he has 
found it breeding at various points in northern Dakota, where, in June 





4 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


and July, he secured both eggs and young, the latter newly hatched. 
This species is recorded by Mr. E. A. Samuels as nesting in more north¬ 
ern latitudes than New England. The Horned Grebe is an irregular 
sojourner, in Pennsylvania, from the middle of October until early in 
April. In the months of March and April this Diver is usually more 
numerous than at other times during its residence with us. Although 
generally observed singly or in pairs, and sometimes in parties of four, 
five or six, I have seen, on three occasions, in the past ten years, flocks 
numbering from twelve to twenty-five of these birds, during the spring 
migrations, on the Susquehanna, Lehigh and Delaware rivers. Dr. 
Walter Van Fleet and Burgess J. H. Ferguson, both of Benovo, Clinton 
county (Pa.), recently informed me that in the latter part of March or 
early in April, 1884, large numbers of Horned Grebes appeared in vari¬ 
ous streams and ponds in central Pennsylvania, and remained for two 
or three days before passing northward. Mr. Ferguson says there were 
at least two hundred Grebes in the river at Benovo, where many were 
killed by gunners. In a small pool, less than one rod across, Dr. Yan 
Fleet secured over twenty. Audubon, writing of the food of Horned 
Grebe, says: “ I have observed in the stomachs of almost all that I 

have examined, a quantity of hair-like substances rolled together like 
the pellets of owls, but have not ascertained whether or not these masses 
are disgorged. * * * * The food of this species, while on salt 
water, is composed of shrimps, small fishes, and minute Crustacea. 
While on fresh water, they procure insects, leeches, small frogs, tad¬ 
poles, and aquatic lizards; they also pick up the seeds of grasses.” 
The stomach-contents of nine of these birds which I have examined con¬ 
sisted mainly of sand, remains of fish, beetles and frogs and portions of 
green-colored aquatic plants. In the stomachs of three specimens I 
have found, in addition to other food-stuffs, small ball-like masses of 
feathers. 


Genus PODILYMBUS Lesson. 

Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.). 

Pied-billed Grebe; Little Dipper; Little Pish Duck ; Hell Diver. 

Description. 

Adult. —Bill thick, shorter than head and higher than wide ; bristly frontal feath¬ 
ers ; no conspicuous tufts or crests ; broad naked loral space ; bill (dried specimen) 
bluish white, culmen dusky and both mandibles crossed with black band, upper 
parts dark brown, darkest on head and back ; chin and throat with a long showy 
black patch ; sides of head and neck brownish-gray ; primaries brownish-ash ; sec¬ 
ondaries grayish and white; lower part of neck in front and upper part of breast 
yellowish-brown, more or less spotted or barred with black on upper portion of 
breast; sides darker with more or less yellowish brown; lower part of breast and 
abdomen satiny-white ; iris brown ; tarsi and feet (dried specimen) brownish. 

Young. Bill (dried specimen) brownish without black band ; chin and throat pure 
white ; neck in front and on sides rusty mixed with white ; sides of head brownish 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 5 

with streaks of white; lower part of breast and abdomen silky white; sides dark 
grayish-brown ; feathers on upper part of breast on sides brownish-black edged with 
rusty ; plumage of upper parts dark brown, somewhat grayish on top of head and 
about nape of neck ; feathers on lower part of neck and the back are darkest. The 
specimen before me has a decided gloss on back feathers ; the feathers on the sides 
about the thighs are hair-like in appearance. Length about 13§ inches ; extent 
about 22 inches. 

Habitat. —British provinces southward to Brazil, Buenos Ayres and Chili, includ¬ 
ing the West Indies and the Bermudas, breeding nearly throughout its range. 

The Pied-billed Grebe, or Dabcliick, is a common spring and fall vis¬ 
itor, and in winter it is often seen, especially in the southern counties 
of the state. The Dabcliick is the only one of the Grebes which has 
been known, to naturalists, with whom I have corresponded on the mat¬ 
ter, to breed in Pennsylvania, but as a native the bird is rare, or if it 
breeds at all regularly with us, it retires to such secluded situations that 
collectors rarely find it. In the counties of Crawford and Erie Mr. 
George B. Sennett has observed the species as a “moderately common 
spring and fall migrant,” and Mr. August Koch, of Williamsport, has 
noted it, in his locality, only as a spring and fall visitor. Dr. John W. 
Detwiller, naturalist, residing at Bethlehem, Northampton county, writes 
me he has found it breeding here. 

Prof. H. Justin Roddy, of the Millersville State Normal School, says: 
This Grebe about ten years ago bred in Perry county, Pennsylvania. 
The following interesting and valuable notes concerning the nesting 
habits of the Pied-billed Grebe are given by Mr. Langdon in his list- 
Summer Birds of a Northern Ohio Marsh : “The little floating island 
of decaying vegetation held together by mud and moss, which consti¬ 
tutes the nest of this species, is a veritable ornithological curiosity. 
Imagine a ‘ pancake ’ of what appears to be mud, measuring twelve or 
fifteen inches in diameter, and rising two or three inches above the 
water, which may be from one to three feet in depth ; anchor it to the 
bottom with a few concealed blades of ‘saw-grass,’ in a little open bay, 
leaving its circumference entirely free ; remove a mass of wet muck from 
its rounded top and you expose seven or eight soiled brownish-white 
eggs, resting in a depression the bottom of which is less than an inch 
from the water; the whole mass is constantly damp. This is the nest 
of the Dabchick, who is out foraging in the marsh, or perhaps is anx¬ 
iously watching us from some safe corner near by. 

“The anchoring blades of coarse saw-grass or flags, being always 
longer than is necessary to reach the bottom, permit of considerable 
lateral and vertical movement of the nest, and effectually provide against 
drowning of the eggs by any ordinary rise in the water-level such as 
frequently occurs during the prevalence of strong easterly winds on the 
lake. A small bunch of saw-grass already growing in a suitable situa¬ 
tion is evidently selected as a nucleus for the nest, and the tops bent so 
as to form part of it. 

“ During the day we invariably found the eggs concealed by a cover- 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


• 6 


mg of muck as above described; but as we ascertained by repeated 
visits at night and in the early morning they are uncovered at dusk by 
the bird who incubates them until the morning sun relieves her of her 
task." 

Suborder CEPPHI. Loons and Auks. 

Family URINATORIDiE. Loons, 
the LOONS. 

Loons live almost habitually in the water ; they dive with wonderful rapidity and 
skill, and are also remarkable for their ability of swimming long distances under 
the water, especially if endeavoring to elude their enemies. As divers they are the 
most expert of all birds. They retire during the summer season to high boreal re¬ 
gions to rear their young, and as cold weather advances migrate southward. During 
migrations Loons are most numerous about our seacoasts and on the large lakes in i 
the interior. Like the Grebes they move over the ground in a slow, floundering 
and awkward manner, their flight, however, is rapid, and when migrating they 
generally fly at a considerable elevation.. The shrill and mournful notes of these J 
birds can be heard at a great distance ; it is asserted by some that Loons, like the 
Cuckoos, are more frequently heard before a storm than at other times. The flesh 
of these birds is tough, dark-colored and “fishy.” The white plumage of the under 
parts and the spotted feathers of the back are sometimes used by milliners and 
furriers. 

The nest is described as a rudely-built structure of reeds, grasses, etc., on the 
ground near the water ; the dark-colored and spotted eggs are said to be usually two 
in number. Bill long, hard, straight, tapering and sharp-pointed, being quite spear¬ 
like in appearance, and well adapted to catching their prey, consisting principally 
of fishes. Lores completely feathered. Head without crests or ruffs. Tall well 
developed, but very short and rounded. Legs situated far behind. Tibia mostly 
concealed in belly. Feet with four toes, the three in front long and wholly webbed. 

Genus URINATOR Cuvier. 

Urinator imber (Gunn.). 

Loon ; Great Northern Diver. 

Description {Plate51). 

Adult. —Bill and legs (dried specimen) bluish-black ; iris, red; head and neck 
dark bluish-green ; sides of head quite purplish ; lower part of neck glossy-green ; 
throat with transverse streak of six or eight distinct patches of white feathers ; tri¬ 
angular patches of white streaks on sides of neck, almost uniting behind and nar¬ 
rowing as they extend to front of neck, where they are about one inch apart; upper 
parts and sides glossy-black, conspicuously spotted with white ; spots on lower 
part of back, rump and sides are small; spots on back arranged in transverse rows, 
and increase in size from lower part of neck backward ; sides of breast black with 
white streaks, lining of wings, breast, abdomen and crissum white; tail brownish- 
black, somewhat glossy above and unspotted. 

Young.—' Top of head, back and rest of upper parts brownish-black ; chin, throat 
and lower parts white, sides of breast and sides brownish-black ; back unspotted 
(specimens are sometimes found in which the scapular and tertial feathers are quite 
well marked with the square white spots so conspicuous in the full plumaged adult); 
iris, biown ; bill (dried specimen) bluish-white, dusky on ridge and yellowish at 












BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


7 


base ; tarsi and feet brownish-yellow ; length about 32 inches ; extent about 55 ; bill 
along culraen about 3 inches. 

Habitat .—Northern part of Northern Hemisphere. In North America breeds 
from the northern tier of states northward ; ranges in winter south to the Gulf of 
Mexico. 

This bird, the largest of all the Divers, is about as large as a medium- 
sized domestic goose. The Loon, known to many as the Great Northern 
Diver, is a regular and tolerably common spring and fall migrant, fre¬ 
quenting, principally, the rivers, larger streams and lakes. In the 
winter, when streams and other bodies of water are not frozen over, indi¬ 
viduals of this species are frequently to be found with us. Although 
not known to breed in Pennsylvania, these birds are sometimes seen 
here in the breeding season. Hon. N. F. Underwood, member of the 
Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture, residing at Lake Como, Wayne 
county, and hunters living in Wyoming and Susquehanna counties, 
have informed me that solitary Loons are occasionally to be found 
throughout the summer months, inhabiting the numerous small lakes 
in the northeastern parts of this commonwealth. In Lycoming county 
Mr. August Koch says “ the Loon is a common visitor oftener to be 
noticed in the spring than in fall, and occasionally single birds may be 
noticed in the first summer months.” The Loon, ever cautious and vigi¬ 
lant, will dive at the flash of a gun and proceed under the water to a 
very considerable distance before reappearing. These Ibirds, it is said, 
when endeavoring to elude their enemies, and also, at times, when in 
quest of food, swim under the water with greater rapidity than they 
fly through the air. Writing of the Loon, Nuttall says, in referring to 
its voice, “ far out at sea ip winter, and in the great western lakes, par¬ 
ticularly Huron and Michigan, in summer, I have heard, on a fine, calm 
morning, the sad and wolfish call of the solitary Loon, which, like a dis¬ 
mal echo, seems slowly to evade the ear, and rising as it proceeds, dies 
away in the air. This boding sound to mariners, supposed to be indic¬ 
ative of a storm, may be heard sometimes for two or three miles, when 
the bird itself is invisible, or reduced almost to a speck in the distance.” 
The stomach contents of seven Loons, captured during the winter 
months in Chester, Delaware, Clinton and Lehigh counties, Pa., con¬ 
sisted entirely of fish-bones and scales; two other specimens, purchased 
in the winter of 1881 from a game dealer in Philadelphia, were found to 
have fed on small seeds and portions of plants, apparently roots. Indi¬ 
viduals of this species are, it is said, sometimes found in the Hudson 
Bay region weighing as much as fifteen or sixteen pounds apiece. The 
female is somewhat smaller than the male. The weight of three females 
taken in Pennsylvania in the early spring ranged from seven to seven 
and three-quarter pounds each, and two males, one taken on the Lehigh 
river, in the fall, the other captured in Warren county, on the Allegheny 
river, in the spring, tipped the scales each at nine and three-quarter 
pounds. 




8 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Urinator lumme (Gunn.). 

Red-throated Loon. 

Description. 

Bill rather slender, about two and one-quarter inches long and bluish-black ; front 
and sides of head, chin, upper part of throat and sides ot neck bluish-gray , crown, 
hind neck, sides and upper parts generally brownish-black, glossed, more or less, 
with greenish, and spotted or streaked with white ; tront ot neck with a longitudinal 
and triangular patch of rich reddish-brown ; under parts white; legs (dried speci¬ 
men) brownish-black ; iris, red in adult, and reddish-brown in young. The young 
and adults, in winter, lack the bright chestnut-colored patch on tore-neck, and plu¬ 
mage of upper parts generally is brownish-gray, conspicuously spotted with white ; 
length about 26 inches ; extent about 44 inches. 

Habitat .—Northern part of Northern Hemisphere, migrating southward in winter 
nearly across the United States. 

The Reel-throated Loon, a rare and irregular visitor in this locality 
has been taken in the late fall, winter and early spring, in different parts 
of the state. Specimens have been captured in Lycoming, Clinton, 
Northampton and Philadelphia counties, and I have been informed that 
on Lake Erie, in the neighborhood of Erie city, this bird is often met 
with, especially late in the autumn. The individuals which come as far 
southward as Pennsylvania are usually young. Red-throated Loons are 
much more common along the sea-coast—from Maine to Maryland—in 
the winter season, than in the interior, and in the summer or breeding 
time (June and July) they retire much farther north than the Great 
Northern Diver. The food of this bird is similar to that of the previ¬ 
ously described species. 







Family ALCID-ZE. Auks, Murres and Puffins. 

THE AUKS, ETC. 

The mem bers of this family, numbering about twenty-five species and subspecies 
in North America, are all exclusively marine. Many of them inhabit almost con¬ 
stantly the northern seas. Species are much more numerous on the Pacific coast 
than on the Atlantic; but few birds of this family have been observed in Pennsyl 
vania and doubtless those taken here have been driven inland by severe storms. 
These birds are gregarious, certain species, especially during the breeding season, 
assembling in great numbers. One egg is laid on the bare ground or in crevices of 
rocks ; high cliffs along the ocean, it is stated, are usually the favorite breeding-sites. 
Like the Loons, most of these birds move over the ground in an awkward manner ; 
their flight, however, is quite rapid and they swim and dive with great address. 
When swimming under the water in quest of prey, particularly fish, on which they 
principally subsist, they employ their wings in the same manner as when flying m 
the air. The eggs and young of many of these birds are, it is said, quite highly 
esteemed as food by natives in Arctic countries, where the tough skins with their 
thick coatings of feathers are also considerably used to make articles of wearing 
apparel. In birds of this family the hind toe is absent, and the three front toes are 
united by a continuous web. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


9 


Subfamily FRATERCULIN.E. Puffins. 
Genus FRATERCULA Brisson. 


Fratercula arctica (Linn.). 


Puffin. 


Description. 


Adult , in winter .—Bill quite stout, flattened laterally and nearly as high as long; 
both mandibles with curved and distinct grooves ; bill and legs (dried skin) brown¬ 
ish yellow ; upper parts and space on front of neck brownish-black; throat and 
sides of head grayish-white, under parts white. Length about 13£ inches; extent 
about 24 inches. 

Habitat .—Coasts and islands of the north Atlantic, breeding on the North Ameri¬ 
can coast from the Bay of Fundy northward. South in winter to Long Island, and 
casually further. 

The Puffin or “ Sea Parrot,” as this bird is frequently called, has been 
observed in Pennsylvania only as an accidental winter visitant. But 
one specimen of this species has, so far as I can learn, been captured in 
our state. This bird, now in the possession of Mr. Joseph Krider, of 
Philadelphia, was killed by a gunner in the winter, about 1876, along 
the Delaware river, near Chester city. The Puffins, according to differ¬ 
ent writers, breed either in crevices of high rocks or cliffs on the sea- 
coast, or in burrows which they dig in the ground. These holes, it is 
stated, are usually excavated to the depth of about three feet. “ Their 
food consists of various kinds of small fish, particularly sprats, the 
smaller kinds of crabs, shrimps and sea-weeds, and it is not improbable 
but that their sudden migrations are regulated by the presence or ab¬ 
sence of certain kinds of fish on which they delight to feed.”— Nuttall. 


Subfamily PHALERINjE. Guillemots, Etc. 

Genus CEPPHUS Pallas. 

Cepphus grylle (Linn.). 

Black Guillemot. 

Description. 

Adult in winter .—Bill black, sharp-pointed, quite straight and shorter than the 
head ; head, neck, under parts, rump, and space on wing white ; back, wings and 
tail dark brown or black, mixed with white; tarsi reddish. Length about 13 inches; 
extent about 23 inches. 

Habitat .—Coast of northern Europe, south to Denmark and the British Islands. 
Coast of Maine, south in winter to New Jersey. 

The Black Guillemot, an inhabitant of the dreary coasts and islands 
of the north Atlantic, is a rare and irregular straggler in winter on the 
Atlantic coast, southward to New Jersey. In Pennsylvania this species 
has been observed as an accidental wanderer in winter. A specimen in 
the museum at Lancaster city, Pa., was taken, it is said, on the Susque- 








10 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


hanna river in Lancaster county. Messrs. C. D. Wood and John Krider 
had in their possession two or three of these birds, which, they stated, 
had been captured in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. Pi of. H. Jus 
tin Poddy, of Millersville State Normal School, records the capture of a 
Black Guillemot in the late fall or winter in Perry county, Pa. 


SUBFAMIL Y ALLIN.#;. Dovekies. 

Genus ALLE Linn. 


Alle alle (Linn.). 

* 

Dovekie ; Sea Dove. 


Description. 


Adult , in winter :—Bill very short and thick, upper mandible curved; upper 
parts brownish-black, scapulars edged and streaked with white, and secondaries 
tipped with same ; clnn, throat, sides of neck and under plumage generally white ; 
bill, black ; iris, dark-brown ; tarsi (in dried skin) brownish. Length about 8§ 
inches ; extent about 15| inches. * 

Habitat .—Coasts and islands of the north Atlantic and eastern Arctic Oceans ; in 
North America south in winter to New Jersey ; breeds in high northern latitudes. 

The Sea Dove or Little Auk, as this bird is sometimes called, very 
rarely migrates in winter as far southward as the coast of New Jersey. 
During the past ten years I have seen two specimens that have been 
captured in winter on the Delaware river near Philadelphia. Both of 
these birds were taken shortly after violent storms. In the fall of 1886 
Prof. H. Justin Roddy, of Millersville, Pa., obtained one of these birds 
in Perry county, Pennsylvania. 

Note.— Cepphus mandtii (Mandt’s Guillemot) and Uria lomvia (Briin- 
nich’s Murre), both of which were mentioned in the first edition of Birds 
of Pennsylvania, have been omitted in this report, as I am not certain 
that either have been taken in our state. 


ORDER LONGIPENNES. LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. 

Family STERCORARIID#C. Skuas and Jaegers. 

THE JAEGERS. 

The Jaegers or Skua Gulls inhabit principally the sea-coasts ; they also Irequent 
the large inland waters, especially the great lakes. Two genera and four species are 
recorded as belonging to the fauna of the United States. In Pennsylvania the Jae¬ 
gers have been noted by various naturalists only as very rare andirregular visitants. 
These hardy, bold and predacious birds retire mostly to the dreary arctic solitudes 
to rear their young. During the winter season, or at other times when migrating, 
they are generally found singly or in pairs, but when breeding, a well-known writer 
says they congregate in large numbers and nest in tufts of grass, on rocks or even 
on the bare ground ; the eggs, two or three in number, are described as being nearly 
three inches long and a little less than two inches in width, and are dark-colored, 


i 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


11 


spotted or blotched with different shades of brown and grayish. Dr. Elliott Coues 
says: “The Skua Gulls are eminently rapacious, whence their name of ‘Jager’ 
(hunter) ; they habitually attack and harass terns and the smaller gulls, until these 
weaker and less spirited birds are forced to drop or disgorge their prey. Their flight 
is vigorous ; lashing the air with the long tail, they are able to accomplish the rapid 
and varied evolutions required for the successful practice of piracy. Thus in their 
leading traits they are marine Raptores, whilst the cered bill furnishes a curious 
analogy to the true birds of prey.” 

Thomas Nuttall, writing of the Jaegers, says : “They also often provide for them¬ 
selves, feeding on floating objects, as they never dive, and sometimes live on the 
llesh of cetaceous animals, shell-fisli, molusca, eggs and young birds.” The head 
and eyes are large ; neck rather short andstout; bill strong, hard and hooked at tip ; 
“covering of the upper bill not entire, as in the Laridce, the posterior half being 
lurnished with a horny cere, the lower edge of which overhangs the nostrils; toes 
fully webbed ; hind toe very small; claws large and strong, curved and very acute ; 
tail slightly rounded, but the central pair of feathers projecting a greater or less dis¬ 
tance beyond the rest.” 

The Jaegers like the Gulls and Terns (Laridse) swim most buoyantly, but are 
incapable of diving. Representatives of this family, both adult and young, vary 
greatly in their plumage. 


Genus STERCORARIUS Brisson. 

Stercorarius pomarinus (Temm.). 

Pomarine Jaeger. 

Description. 

“Adult. —Front, crown of the head, back, wings and tail, blackish-brown; sides 
and back part of the neck bright-yellow; throat and entire under plumage white, 
with a brand of brown spots extending across the upper part of the breast; sides 
and lower tail coverts barred with brown ; shafts of quills and tail feathers white; 
bill greenish-olive, black at the tip ; legs and feet black ; the middle tail feathers 
extend beyond the others for about 2 inches ; they are rounded at the end, and of a 
uniform breadth throughout. 

“Young birds have the plumage of the upper parts blackish-brown ; of the lower, 
grayish-brown, with the feathers of the abdomen and lower tail coverts margined 
with dull-ferruginous ; tarsi and base of the toes and webs yellow. ”— Baird's B. of 
N. A. Length about 20 inches ; extent about 48 inches. 

Habitat. —Seas and inland waters of northern portions of the Northern Hemi- 
phere, south in winter to Africa and Australia and probably South America. Not 
known to occur in winter on the Atlantic coast of North America north of Long 
Island. 

The Pomarine Jaeger, known to the fisherman on the coasts of Maine 
as “ Gull Hunter,” resides during the summer or breeding season in 
high boreal regions, but when the young are able to provide for them¬ 
selves both the old and young migrate southward, and frequent mainly 
the shores of the ocean. In this state the Jaeger occurs only as an acci¬ 
dental visitor. The late Prof. S. F. Baird, in the summer of 1840, secured 
a specimen at Harrisburg, on the Susquehanna river; another example 
of the same species is recorded as having been obtained by the late Vin¬ 
cent Barnard, of Chester county, in Lancaster county, Pa., on the Susque¬ 
hanna In the winter of 1885 or 1886, Mr. C. L>. Wood, a Philadelphia 










12 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

taxidermist, mounted one of these birds, which had been shot by a hunter 
in Sullivan county, Pa., near Eagle’s Mere, a popular summer resort on 
the Philadelphia and Reading railroad. 


Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn.). 

Parasitic Jaeger. 

Description. 

“Adult,— Upper part of the head blackish-brown; nape and sides of the neck 
yellowish-white; remainder of upper plumage blackish-brown; wings and tail 
darker; shafts of the primaries white ; under plumage white ; bill bluish at the base, 
black at the point; tarsi and feet black ; the central tail feathers extend beyond the 
others about three inches; they taper slightly, varying but little in breadth until 
near the end, where they are abruptly acuminated, differing in this particular from 
all the other species. 

Young. —Head and neck streaked with dark brown and brownish-yellow; lower 
parts spotted or barred with the same; upper parts brownish or dusky and brownish- 
yellow. Length about 18 inches ; extent about 40 inches.”— Baird's Birds of N. A. 

Habitat .—Northern part of northern Hemisphere, southward in winter to South 
Africa and South America. Breeds in high northern districts, and winters from the 
Middle states and California southward to Brazil and Chili. 

The Parasitic Jaeger, like the preceding species, occurs in Pennsylva¬ 
nia only as a rare and irregular straggler. Dr. Turnbull {Birds of 
Eastern Pennsylvania ) records the capture of one near Philadelphia by 
the late John Krider. In October, 1874, Mr. Merrick Low shot, at the 
head of Erie bay, a fine specimen of this bird, which is now in the col¬ 
lection of my friend, Mr. George B. Sennett, of Erie city. Dr. Walter 
Yan Pleet mentions both the Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers as strag¬ 
glers in Clinton county, Pa. 

Never having had an opportunity of studying this species in life, I 
quote the following interesting extracts from Mr. E. W. Nelson’s report 
{Natural History Collections in Alaska): “ During summer these Jaegers 
show a much greater preference for marshes and the low, barren 
grounds so common in the north, than they do for the vicinity of the sea- 
coast. At the Yukon mouth, and near St. Michaels, they arrive with the 
first open water, from the 10th to the 15th of May. The snow still lies 
in heavy drifts on most of the open country, but the Jaegers take pos¬ 
session and feed upon the shrew-mice and lemmings which are common 
on this ground. By the last of May they are very common, and twenty 
or thirty may be seen in a day’s hunt. 

“ Birds in the black plumage are rare in the spring, but are sometimes 
seen, and at the Yukon mouth, on May 31,1 found a pair in this plum¬ 
age mated. The eggs are laid on mossy knolls or uplands, in their 
haunts, about the 5th of June. The nest is merely a depression in the 
moss, containing two eggs. The young are on the wing by the end of 
July and early August. The last birds move southward or keep out to 
sea after the 20th of September. On cloudy days, or in dusky twilight, 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


13 


these birds have a habit of uttering 1 loud, wailing* cries, interspersed with 
harsh shrieks, which are among* the most peculiar notes heard in the 
northern breeding grounds. At all times the Jaegers are given to wan¬ 
dering, and one is likely to find them almost anywhere along the coast. 
They are not infrequently seen harrying terns or gulls to make them dis¬ 
gorge fish just caught. If successful they dart down and, rising under the 
falling morsel, catch it in their capacious mouth. This robbery is often 
performed by two birds in unison, but whether the birds alternate in 
disposing of the spoil or not could not be learned. * * * * They 

are very greedy, and frequently swallow so much that they are unable 
to fiy until a portion is disgorged.” 

Family LARIDiE. Gulls and Terns. 

Subfamily LARINAE. Gulls. 

THE GULLS. 

Only two or three species of this group, represented by over twenty-five species 
and subspecies in North America, have been observed by naturalists to occur in 
Pennsylvania with any degree of regularity. None breed in this commonwealth 
where they are found only as transitory sojourners during the spring, fall and win¬ 
ter months. Gulls vary greatly in size ; some are classed among the largest of the 
marine birds, while others are but little larger than their near relatives—the terns. 
In these birds the body is more robust than in the terns, the bill is hooked, the tail 
is generally even and the toes are fully webbed. 

They are light, easy and graceful swimmers, but are unable to dive, though some 
of them secure their food by plunging for it in the same manner as terns. The 
sexes are similar in color, and the female is usually a trifle smaller than the male. 
Gulls differ greatly in their plumage, but the adults are usually white with a dark, 
or bluish-gray mantle ; in some species the head—especially in the breeding season 
—is enveloped in a dark hood. The young are wholly different from the old birds, 
being much darker and usually more or less spotted or mottled with gray and dif¬ 
ferent shades of brown. Gulls generally associate in large flocks, not only when 
breeding but also during the spring and fall migrations, and in winter. They in¬ 
habit chiefly the sea-coasts and large inland waters; some kinds, however, and es¬ 
pecially the smaller species when migrating, and also frequently in winter, ascend 
to a considerable distance many of the principal rivers emptying in the bays and 
ocean. 

Gulls are gluttonous and voracious, feeding on almost any kind of animal sub¬ 
stances, fish, however, is their main article of diet. These birds, with a few excep¬ 
tions, breed beyond the northern limits of the United States, and most of them re¬ 
tire during the season of reproduction to the arctic regions. The nest is usually 
built on the ground or near it, some species construct ru e nests of twigs, grasses, 
moss, etc., while others, it is said, deposit their eggs eithei on the bare ground or on 
rocky ledges. The eggs, two to four in number, are variously spotted with different 
shades of black, brown and gray. 

The loud, shrill and unmusical notes of these birds ar -t most frequently heard 
when they are on the wing ; they are, also, especially noisy when feeding, or when 
their nesting places are approached. The flesh of the old bird, particularly that of 
the larger species, is quite tough and unpalatable. The llesh of the young birds, 
especially the smaller kinds, is sometimes eaten by fishermen and hunters. Al¬ 
though the gulls are seldom used for food, unless it is by the Eskimo and other 
residents of the northern regions, who, it is stated, esteem the flesh of several species 
as great delicacies—it is a noteworthy fact that the silvery and downy feathers of 
these birds are largely used by our milliners. 




14 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus LARUS Linnaeus. 

Larus argentatus smithsonianus Coues. 

American Herring Gull; Big Gull; Winter Gull. 

Description. 

Adult. —Head, neck, rump, tail and under parts white; mantle dull pale-blue ; 
primaries tipped with white, and barred with black ; bill yellow, with reddish spot; 
tarsi, flesh color ; iris, yellowish-white. 

Young. —Mottled with grayish-brown, white and light pearl-blue, the latter in 
patches on upper parts; primaries dusky; bill brownish-yellow, dark towards end ; 
iris, brown ; length about 25 inches ; extent about 59 inches. 

Habitat. —North of America generally, breeding on the Atlantic coast from Maine 
northward ; in winter south to Cuba and lower California. 

This species is a rather common spring and fall migrant on Lake 
Erie, where, during the winter months, if the weather is not exceedingly 
cold, these birds are also sometimes seen singly or in small companies 
of five or eight. Throughout the state in general this species occurs as 
quite a rare and irregular visitor. On the Delaware river, near Phila¬ 
delphia, and on the Susquehanna, below Lancaster, Herring Gulls are 
perhaps more frequently observed than elsewhere in Pennsylvania, ex¬ 
cept in the vicinity of Erie city. 

The Herring Gull is not especially an arctic breeder. It nests, ac 
cording to different writers, along the coast and about lakes of the inte¬ 
rior in the New England states, and also from Lake Superior northward 
to the Arctic shores. This species breeds generally on the ground, 
though sometimes high and inaccessible cliffs are selected as breeding 
places, and occasionally in some localities, particularly in regions where 
the natives collect both the eggs and young for food, they frequently, 
to escape such depredations, build their nests in the tops of high trees. 
Mr. George Spencer Morris, of Philadelphia, informs me he has observed 
both Herring and Ring-billed Gulls, as winter visitants, on the Dela¬ 
ware river, near the city. 


Larus delawarensis Ord. 

Ring-billed Gull. 

Description. 

“ Adult.— Head, neck, under parts and tail pure white ; back and wings very light 
pearl blue ; first and second primaries black for two-thirds of their length towards 
the end, the three next quills have the black much less in extent, and on the sixth 
it is reduced to a sub-terminal bar ; the first quill is black at the end, above which is 
a broad white band; the second quill is black to the tip, with a white spot on the 
inner web an inch and a half from the end ; the other primaries tipped with white ; 
secondaries and tertiaries ending in white; iris yellow; bill crossed near the end 
with a blackish-brown band, between which and the base it is greenish-yellow ; the 
tip is yellow; tarsi and feet greenish-yellow. Length about 20 inches ; extent about 
48 inches. 











BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


15 


“ Young .—The upper plumage mottled with blackish-brown and gray ; beneath 
grayish-white, with light-brown spots; primaries black; tail white, with a sub¬ 
terminal black band ; bill black with yellow base.”— Baird's Birds of N. A. 

Habitat .—North America at large ; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico. 

This species occurs in Pennsylvania during- the spring and fall migra¬ 
tions, but is not common. Specimens have been taken on the Dela¬ 
ware, Susquehanna, Allegheny and Ohio rivers in this state, and also at 
Lake Erie, near the city of Erie. Unlike most of its relatives, this Gull 
breeds in many sections of the United States, as well as far northward. 
This is one of the common Gulls to be seen, in winter, on the Atlantic 
coast from New Jersey southward. 


Larus atricilla Linn. 


Laughing Gull. 


Description. 


Adult , in breeding plumage. — Head and upper part of neck dark slate color, dark¬ 
est about occiput and on neck, and lightest about base of bill; the dark color ex¬ 
tends about one inch or more farther down front of neck than on the back of same ; 
white spot on both upper and lower eyelids ; neck all round, breast, abdomen, sides, 
lining of wings, upper and lower tail coverts, rump and tail pure white ; the breast 
and abdomen in recently-killed specimens have a beautiful rosy tinge ; mantle dark 
lead color; first five primaries black, which decreases from first to fifth. In speci¬ 
men before me all the primaries but first and second are tipped with white ; the sec¬ 
ondaries and tertiaries have broad white tips ; bill (dried specimen) dark carmine 
and somewhat yellow at base ; tarsi yellowish-red ; iris bluish-black. 

Adult , in winter. —Head and neck white, with sides and occiput spotted with 
brownish-gray. 

Young. —Head, neck all round and upper parts brownish-gray, darkest at base of 
head ; mandible similar color but darker ; throat and under parts grayish or dull 
white. Length about 16^ inches ; extent about 40 inches. 

Habitat. —Eastern, tropical and warm-temperate America, chiefly along the sea- 
coast from Maine to Brazil; Pacific coast of middle America. 


The Laughing Gull is so named because its notes resemble a loud 
burst of laughter. In this state the bird is found only as a migrant. 
In the spring individuals of this species frequently ascend the Susque¬ 
hanna river as far as Harrisburg; they also sometimes come up the 
Delaware river to Philadelphia, and occasionally are observed on other 
of our larger streams in the eastern part of the state. In the autumn 
the Laughing Gull is rarely, I think, to be found in Pennsylvania. The 
Black-headed Gull, as this species is sometimes called, is not found on 
the Pacific coast of the United States, but is quite common on the At¬ 
lantic side, especially from New Jersey southward. The nest—built on 
the ground—is composed of sea-weed, grass or other vegetable mate¬ 
rials. The eggs, two or three in number, measure about 2.20 inches in 
length by about 1.58 inches in width ; they vary considerably, but usu¬ 
ally the ground color is grayish or brownish-olive, spotted and blotched 
with different shades of dull reddish-brown and black or purplish; the 
markings are often more abundant about the larger end. The eggs of 





16 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

this species are used in many sections along” the Atlantic coast, especi¬ 
ally in some of the southern states, for table purposes. 

Larus Philadelphia (Ord.). 

Bonaparte’s Gull; “ Little Gull.” 

Description {Plate 52). 

Adult. —Bill, black; tarsi (dried skin), reddish-yellow; head and upper pa.c of 
neck dark lead color; lower part of neck, under parts, rump and tail pure v fiite ; 
mantle, pale pearl-blue; three first primaries mainly white; first primary with 
black outer web ; first six primaries have black ends, a halt inch or over long and 
each one is slightly tipped with white ; other primaries like back. In winter the 
adult has white head with dark spots over ears, in other respects quite like adult in 
spring. 

Young.— Bill, black, yellowish at base; tarsi, reddish-yellow (dried skin) ; 
iris, hazel; greater part of head, the throat, neck and under parts white ; tail, 
white, except a black bar nearly an inch wide at end; primaries with much more 
black than in adult; dark colored auricular spots ; crown and upper parts, espe- 
pecially the wings, mottled with light lead color and brownish-gray ; length about 
14 inches ; extent about 32 inches. 

Habitat— Whole of North America, breeding mostly north of the United States ; 
south in winter to Mexico and Central America. 

This species known to fishermen on Lake Erie and about the Dela¬ 
ware and Susquehanna rivers as “ Little Gull,” is by far the most abun¬ 
dant of all the Gulls in Pennsylvania, where it occurs as a reg-ular mi¬ 
grant in the spring and fall. During migrations, particularly in the 
autumn, these birds are frequently to be seen in considerable numbers 
about the harbor at Erie city. Bonaparte’s Gulls are found generally 
throughout the state, about the numerous lakes, ponds and larger 
streams. Occasionally in the interior good-sized flocks are noted, but 
usually they are seen singly, in pairs, or sometimes in small parties of 
four or five individuals. They generally arrive here early in April and 
remain mostly until early in May, when they pass northward to their 
breeding grounds, from which they return here usually about the first 
week in October and remain until early in November. At Lake Erie, 
where the species is perhaps more numerous than in any other section 
of Pennsylvania, I observed a flock of a dozen or more of these Gulls in 
company with two or three Herring Gulls late in the month of Decem¬ 
ber, 1889. This bird, in addition to feeding on fish and other kinds of 
aquatic animal life, subsists, also, to a considerable extent, on different 
insects, particularly beetles and grasshoppers. 

Genus RISSA Stephens. 

Rissa tridactyla (Linn.). 

Kittiwake. 

Description. 

il Adult.— Head, neck, entire under plumage, rump and tail, white; back and 
wings light bluish-gray ; the ends of the five outer primaries, and the outer web of 
the first, black ; the fourth and fifth have small white tips; bill, greenish-yellow 5 ' 
iris, reddish-brown; legs and teet brownish-black, with a green tinge. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


17 


“ young .—The head is white, marked on the hind head and neck with bluish-gray ; 
a spot of the same color over the ears ; a narrow" crescent of black in front of the eye ; 
wings and shoulders marked with black ; primaries black ; tail white, with a sub¬ 
terminal black band ; bill black ; rest of the plumage same as in adult.”— Baird's 
Birds of N. A. Length about 171 inches ; extent about 35 inches. 

Habitat. —Arctic regions, south in eastern North America in winter to the great 
lakes and the Middles States. 

Accidental winter visitant. About ten years ago the late Henry B. 
Graves, of Berks county, mounted a young Kittiwake, which had been 
captured near Lancaster city in midwinter. Mr. Joseph Krider, of 
Philadelphia, has in his collection one of these birds which was shot 
several years ago near Philadelphia by the late John Krider. Dr. A. C. 
Treicliler, of Elizabethtown, mentions this species as a straggler in 
Lancaster county, Pa. The Kittiwake is a common bird in the Arctic 
regions, and in winter this species wanders irregularly southward along 
the Atlantic coast as far as New Jersey, where it is quite rare. 

Subfamily STERNI1LE. Teens. 

THE TERN. 

While these birds are most abundant on the seacoast, neighboring bays and inlets, 
they are not exclusively maritime; many frequent, during migrations, inland 
waters (large lakes commonly) where some also remain during the summer to rear 
their young. None of the Terns are know n to breed in Pennsylvania. Although 
quite a number of these birds—known commonly about the seashore as “Sea 
Swallows”—have been taken by various naturalists and collectors, in this state, 
during migrations, none, according to my observations, can be said to occur through¬ 
out this commonwealth as regular or common spring and fall migrants. Several 
species are common on the coast of New Jersey during migrations, and some are 
also found there as summer residents. Almost every year, in the spring, late sum¬ 
mer and in the autumn, after severe stormy weather, Terns of different kind are 
frequently noticed about the rivers, lakes and ponds in the interior, principally, 
however, in the eastern sections of the state. These birds, it would appear, have 
been, by force of the elements rather than their own inclinations, compelled to leave, 
temporarily, their chosen haunts in the vicinity of the ocean. 

At Lake Erie some species of this subfamily are found as common migrants ; in 
the harbor at Erie city two or three species are more or less common every spring 
and fall. This is the only section in Pennsylvania, so far as I have been able to 
learn, where Terns are seen with any degree of certainty during migrations. Terns, 
with a few exceptions, are much smaller than Gulls, from which they differ also in 
having straight, slender, sharp-pointed bills, and mostly, conspicuously forked 
tails. The sexes are quite similar in size and color, but the young and old birds in 
fall and winter show great variations in coloration ; wings long, narrow and pointed ; 
the flight is buoyant and graceful. They seem to be almost continually on the wing, 
and sometimes are seen out at sea many miles from land. Terns are unable to dive; 
their feet are webbed, but they are scarcely ever seen on the water ; it is said they 
never swim from choice. These birds walk but little, though they often alight on 
the beach, sand-bars and rocks. Terns, especially the larger kinds, subsist princi¬ 
pally on little fish ; some of the smaller species, in addition to small fish, feed to 
some extent on insects. When in quest of prey they frequently make extensive circuits 
over the ocean, bays, brackish ponds and marshy places ; in flying over the water, 
searching for food, they invariably are seen with the bill pointing straight down, 
ward ; this, as Dr. Coues writes, “ makes them look like colossal mosquitoes.” They 

2 Bikds. 



18 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


often hover over the water, when feeding, in the same manner as the Sparrow Hawk 
does when hunting in a grass-field, and dart head foremost into it, oftentimes with 
such force as to submerge the whole body; unlike the hawk, however, which 
seizes his prey in his talons, the Tern captures its prey in its bill. Their notes are 
sharp, shrill and often repeated ; they are particularly noisy when wounded or if their 
breeding-places are approached. The eggs, two or three in number, are generally 
deposited in a slight depression in the sand or shingle along the sea-beach ; some 
few nest on drift-stuff, sea-weeds, grasses, etc., in marshes, and others, it is stated, 
construct rude and rather bulky nests of sticks on trees or in low, thick bushes. 
Terns are of a gregarious nature ; they frequently nest in great numbers in suitable 
localities, and when migrating they often assemble in large flocks. Great numbers 
of these birds, and many of the smaller kinds of Gulls, are annually slaughtered 
along the Atlantic coast by heartless and greedy “feather hunters” to supply the 
millinery establishments of our large cities. 


Genus GELOCHELIDON Brehm. 

Gelochelidon nilotica (Hasselq.). 

Gull-billed Tern ; Marsh Tern. 

) 

Description. 

Adult. —Bill short, stout and resembles somewhat that of a gull ; top of head 
black, which runs downward on sides to lower eyelid ; a very narrow line of white 
at base of upper mandible; back and wings pearly bluish-gray; tail feathers very 
similar to back, but lighter ; lower part of back of neck and entire under plumage 
pure white ; bill and tarsi black ; iris dark brown. Length about 14 inches ; extent 
about 34 inches. 

The young have brownish-colored bills and legs, top of head largely white ; upper 
parts more or less spotted with brown. 

Habitac. —Nearly cosmopolitan ; in North America chiefly along the Atlantic and 
Gulf coasts of the United States. 

This species is a very rare and irregular visitor in eastern Pennsyl¬ 
vania, and in the central and western portions of the state I find no one 
has noted its occurrence. Mr. H. B. Graves records the capture of one 
“in Chester county in autumn.” Mr. C. D. Wood informed me he ob¬ 
tained two specimens, which were shot near Philadelphia about five 
years ago. I have never seen this bird in Pennsylvania. 


Genus STERNA Linnaeus. 

Sterna tschegrava Lipech. 

Caspian Tern. 


Description. 

Largest of all the Terns ; bill large and stout, measuring about three inches • tail 
very slightly forked. 

“Adult. Forehead, crown, sides of the head and occiput black, glossed with 
green ; this color extends below the eye, under which is a narrow white lino ; back 
and wings light bluish-ash ; outer six primaries dark slate-gray on their inner webs • 
quill shafts strong and white; tail and its upper coverts grayish-white' neck and 
entire under plumage pure white ; bill and inside of mouth bright vermilflon ; legs 








BIBBS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


19 


and feet black. Length 21| inches; extent of wings 51 inches ”— Baird's Birds of 
North America. 

Habitat .—Nearly cosmopolitan; in North America breeding southward to Vir¬ 
ginia, Lake Michigan, Texas, Nevada, California. 

The Caspian Tern has been observed in but few localities in this state. 
Hon. J. J. Libliart, in his ornithological report, published in the history 
of Lancaster county, Pa., records the capture of two of these birds *on 
the Susquehanna at Marietta, September 21, 1847.” About three 
years ago Mr. Joseph Krider, of Philadelphia, had in his possession an 
adult Caspian Tern, which a customer had brought to him to be 
mounted. This bird was said to have been shot in Delaware county, 
near Chester city. Mr. George B. Sennett has in his collection one or 
two specimens of this species, taken at Erie bay, where nearly every 
fall, in September and October, a few of these birds are seen. 


Sterna maxima Bodd. 

Royal Tern. 


/ 

Description. 


This bird ranks next in size to the Caspian Tern. Bill about as long but much 
more slender than bill of Caspian Tern ; tail conspicuously forked. 

Adult. —Front, top and back of head glossy-black (some specimens have front of 
head white) ; back and wings pale bluish-gray ; rump and upper tail coverts white ; 
tail nearly white ; under parts white; bill deep reddish-yellow ; tarsi black ; iris 
brown. Length about 20 inches ; extent about 43 inches. 

Habitat .—Tropical America and warmer parts of North America, northward to 
Massachusetts, the great lakes and California. West coast of Africa, north to Tan- 
giers. 

The Royal Tern, which breeds in great colonies along the Atlantic 
coast, from Virginia southward, is a very rare and irregular visitor in 
this state. Henry B. Graves records the capture of a specimen in Berks 
county, in September, 1879. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, Pa., 
has also observed this beautiful Tern as a straggler in our state. I have 
never seen this bird in Pennsylvania. 

Sterna forsteri Nutt. 


Forster’s Tern. 

Description. 

“ Adult .—Upper part and sides of the head, to a line just below the eye, and hind 
neck black ; back and wings bluish-gray; primaries grayish-white on the outer 
webs and dusky-gray on the inner next the shaft, and over the entire web at the 
end, darker on the inner margin ; the remaining portion of inner webs white ; tail 
bluish-gray, except the outer web of the outer tail feather which is white ; the inner 
web of this feather blackish-gray for about two inches from the end ; rump white 
with a slight tinge of pale bluish-gray ; sides of head, throat and entire under surface 
white ; in the dried specimens bill is orange-yellow at the base, black near the end, 
with the tip pale yellow; legs and feet scarlet. Length about 15 inches ; extent 
about 30 inches.”—itaird’s Birds of N. A. 











20 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Habitat.— North America generally, breeding from Manitoba southward to Vir¬ 
ginia, Illinois, Texas and California ; in winter southward to Brazil. 

This species is found in Pennsylvania as quite a rare and irregular 
visitor during the spring and fall migrations. In the summer of 1879 
I visited Cobb’s Island, Virginia, where this Tern was breeding quite 
plentifully in the marshes. Forster’s Tern feeds principally on little 
fish. 

Sterna hirundo Linn. 

Common Tern ; Wilson’s Tern ; Sea Swallow 
Description. 

Adult.— Bill (dried skin) red from base to about half its length, then black, with 
pale-yellowish point; iris brown; legs reddish-yellow; upper part of head and 
hind neck black ; back and wings light bluish-gray; sides of neck and head, line 
along base of upper mandible, chin, throat, upper and lower tail coverts and most 
of tail, also lining of wings ? white ; the outside tail feather has black outer web; | 
sides of breast and of lower part of neck and rest of lower parts grayish-white. In 
the young the bill is blackish and yellow, the latter color especially on lower mandi¬ 
ble ; tarsi yellowish ; front of head and entire under plumage white ; crown gray¬ 
ish-white and black plumage about eyes, back of head and upper part of hind neck 
dull black; back and wings indistinct bluish-gray with patches of light-brown; 
most of feathers on back edged with white. Length about 14| inches ; extent about 
31 inches. 

Habitat. —Greater part of the Northern Hemisphere and Africa. In North 
America chiefly confined to the Eastern Province, breeding from the Arctic coast, 
somewhat irregularly, to Florida and Texas, and wintering northward to Virginia. 

The Common Tern or “ Sea-Swallow,” as this bird is commonly called 
by fishermen on the coast of New Jersey, is one of few species of this 
group, which has been frequently found in different sections of our 
state during migrations. Mr. George B. Sennett has observed it as an 
irregular migrant in the spring and fall in the vicinity of Erie city, 
where, I have no doubt, it is oftener met with than in any other section 
of Pennsylvania. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, in a letter ad¬ 
dressed to me, says: I have shot the Common, Arctic and Least Terns 
on the Lehigh river in the fall, and he further adds they were “ prob¬ 
ably driven inland by severe storms.” Mr. August Koch, notes the 
species as an irregular migrant—spring and fall—in Lycoming county, 
and Dr. Walter Van Fleet, of Benovo, has found it in Clinton county as 
a straggler. InBerks county Mr. D. Frank Keller, of Reading, reports 
that he has observed it as an accidental visitor ; according to Dr. A. C. 
Treichler, of Elizabethtown, this bird is a straggler of rare occurrence in 
Lancaster county. Prof. J. R. Robertson, of Franklin, Venango county, 
mentions the Common Tern as a very rare and uncertain visitor in that 
locality. Several specimens of this species have been captured when 
migrating, particularly in the autumn, in the counties of Chester, Dela¬ 
ware and Philadelphia. The Common Tern breeds in New Jersey and 
elsewhere along the Atlantic, and also about many of the large inland 
lakes and ponds. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


21 


Sterna paradissea Brunn. 


Arctic Tern. 


Description. 

“ Adult. —Upper part of the head and hind neck black; back and wings light 
grayish-blue; first primary deep-black on the outer web, dusky-gray on the inner 
next the shaft, and over the entire web at the end, inner margin of inner web white; 
the next five primaries are bluish-gray on the outer web and on the inner web next 
the shaft, this color extending over the entire web at the end, where it is blackish- 
gray on the inner margin, the remaining part of inner web white ; central tail feath¬ 
ers and inner webs of the others white, the outer web of the outer tail feather black¬ 
ish-gray, the outer webs of the two next pale bluish-gray ; rump, sides of the head, 
and under tail coverts, white; under plumage bluish-gray, of a lighter shade than 
the back ; bill deep carmine; iris, brown ; legs and feet dark crimson. Length, 
14| ; wing, 10| ; tail, 6^ ; bill, 1£; tarsus, §.”— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat .—Northern Hemisphere ; in North America breeding from Massachu¬ 
setts to the Arctic regions, and wintering southward to Virginia and California. 

The Arctic Tern, is a very rare straggler in eastern Pennsylvania. 
About four years ago I was shown two of these birds by Mr. C. 1). 
Wood, of Philadelphia, which he said had been shot in September on 
the Delaware river below Philadelphia. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Beth¬ 
lehem, has in his collection a specimen of this Tem, captured by him¬ 
self on the Lehigh river in the fall. In Berks county, according to Mr. 
D. Frank Keller, the Arctic Tern is an accidental visitor. I have never 
seen the Arctic Tem in Pennsylvania, nor am I aware that any of that 
species, other than those mentioned above, have been taken in the state. 

Sterna dougalli Montag. 


Roseate Tern. 


Description. 


“Adult .—Upper part of head and long occipital feathers deep black ; hind neck 
white; back and wings pale bluish-gray ; first primary blackish-gray on the outer 
web and on the inner next the shaft; the other primaries bluish-gray, the second 
and third dusky-gray near the shaft; all the primaries white on the inner part of 
their inner webs ; secondaries and tertiaries edged with white ; tail very light pearl- 
gray ; entire under plumage white, with a beautiful roseate tinge; bill brownish- 
black, orange at base ; iris brown ; legs and feet vermillion. Length, 16 inches ; 
wing, 9§; (extent about 30) ; tail, 8 ; bill, l^.”— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Temperate and tropical regions ; north on the Atlantic coast of North 
America to Massachusetts, and casually to Maine. 

Very rare or accidental visitor. I have never seen the Boseate Tern 
in this state, but give it in this report on the authority of Dr. L. D. 
Balliet, of DuBois, who writes me he has observed it as a straggler in 
Clearfield county, Penna. 

Note.—L i the first edition of the “ Birds of Pennsylvania ,” page 232, 
mention was made of the capture of specimens of Boseate Terns on the 
Schuylkill and Delaware rivers in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. 
In making this statement I was in error, as I have subsequently learned 
the “ specimens ” referred to were not taken in Pennsylvania. 








22 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Sterna antillarum (Less.). 

Least Tern. 

Description (Plate 58). 

Adult , in spring. —Length about 9 inches ; extent about 20 inches. Bill yellow, 
with black tip; legs yellow, claws black ; iris brown ; a triangular white spot on 
forehead, extending to eye ; narrow black line extending from base of upper man¬ 
dible is continuous with the black of crown and region about back of head ; back, 
wings, rump and tail light grayish-blue; two or three outer primaries black on 
upper surface; narrow line about base of bill above sides of head, neck and entire } 
under parts white. 

Young, in August.— Bill (dried skin) blackish-brown; lower mandible towards , 
the base and inside of mouth yellowish-brown ; tarsi yellowish; iris brown ; fore- i 
head dirty brownish-white ; crown and upper parts generally mottled with brown ; j 
upper part of wings mostly dark slate color; primaries darker than in old bird ; j 
under plumage white. 

Habitat. —Northern South America, northward to California and New England, 
and casually to Labrador, breeding nearly throughout its range. 

This handsome and graceful little bird is the smallest of the Terns. 
Fishermen on the coast of New Jersey, where the Least Tern is a com¬ 
mon summer resident, know it by the names of “Sea Swallow,” “Little 
Gull ” and “ Striker.” During- migrations, particularly in the latter part 
of August and September, Least Terns are not infrequently met with 
in Pennsylvania, especially in the southeastern section. I have seen 
seven of these Terns taken—one in the spring, the others in August and 
September—in the counties of Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery and 
Delaware in the past ten years. Hon. Gerard C. Brown, of Yorkana, 
has observed it in York county as a straggler. Dr. John W. Detwilier, 
of Bethlehem, shot one on the Lehigh river, in the fall, and in Berks 
county Mr. D. Frank Keller says it is an accidental visitor. According 
to Prof. J. R. Robertson, of Franklin, a straggler was once taken in Ven¬ 
ango county. In the summer of 1883, at Brigantine, New Jersey, where 
the Least Terns were then breeding in considerable numbers, laying 
their eggs in slight depressions in the dry sand and among the shells 
on the sandhills along the beach, I obtained the bodies of over seventy- 
five of these Terns from two taxidermists who were collecting the skins 
for New York and Philadelphia dealers to be used for ladies’ hats. An 
examination of these birds—all killed in one day—showed that they had 
fed almost exclusively on little fish; not more than four or five had any 
traces of insects in their stomachs. 


Sterna fuliginosa Gmel. 


Sooty Tern. 


Description. 


Adult.— Length about 17 inches ; extent about 34 inches. Bill and legs black ; iris 
reddish-brown ; forehead, sides of head and entire under parts white ; back, wings 
and upper parts deep black. 

In the young the plumage is sooty-brown, darkest on back and wings, grayish on 
abdomen; lining of wings white ; scapulars and wing coverts tipped with white. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


23 


Habitat .—Tropical and subtropical coasts of the globe. In America from Chili to 
western Mexico and the Carolinas, and casually to New England. 

The Sooty Tern is a rather rare and irregular visitor in Pennsylvania 
during the spring and fall migrations. About five years ago two of 
these Terns were taken in Delaware county, and I have two specimens 
in mjr collection that were killed in Chester county. Dr. John W. Det- 
willer, of Bethlehem, has observed it in his locality. Dr. A. 0. Treich- 
ler mentions this bird as a straggler in the neighborhood of Elizabeth¬ 
town, Lancaster county. Specimens captured in Lycoming county, in 
the spring and fall, are in the valuable collection of my esteemed friend, 
Mr. August Koch, of Williamsport. Prof. J. K. Robertson writes me 
that the Sooty Tern is an accidental visitor in Venango county. 


Genus HYDROCHELIDON Boie. 
Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmel.). 

Black Tern ; Short-tailed Tern. 

Description. 

Adult , in spring and breeding plumage. —Head, neck and under parts black, 
darker on head and neck than on abdomen, where the color is sooty-black ; edge of 
wing and under tail coverts white ; back, wings, rump, and tail, lead color ; under 
surface of wings somewhat lighter than the upper parts; bill (dried skin) black; 
tarsi brownish-yellow ; iris brown. Length about 9 inches ; extent about 24 inches. 
Adults in winter, and young in the fall have head, neck and under parts mostly 
white. 

Habitat .—Temperate and tropical America. From Alaska and the fur countries 
to Chili, breeding from the middle United States northward. 

The Black or Short-tailed Tern is a rather irregular, though not an 
uncommon visitor during the spring and fall in different sections of 
Pennsylvania. In North America this species has quite an extended 
distribution, being found both along the sea-coasts and about marshes, 
lakes and reedy ponds in the interior. According to various writers it 
breeds more or less abundantly about marshes in Wisconsin, Minnesota, 
Michigan, Dakota, Oregon, etc. Dr. John W. Detwilier, an ornitholo¬ 
gist of over twenty-five years’ experience, residing at Bethleliam, North¬ 
ampton county, Pa., writes me, that, some years ago he “ procured eggs 
of the Black Tern upon drift-wood on Lake Erie, near Erie city.” I 
have never had an opportunity of observing these birds when breeding, 
and I am not aware that they are now known to breed anywhere in the 
neighborhood of Erie county or elsewhere in our state. The following 
remarks relative to this species in the breeding season are taken from 
Mr. F. W. Langton’s “ Summer Birds of a Northern Ohio Marsh 
“ A very common summer resident in the marsh, nesting, or rather lay¬ 
ing its eggs on the islands of decaying vegetation and mud formed by 
sunken muskrat houses. Three eggs constitute a full set, and they are 
apparently rolled about in the mud purposely, until well-coated, so as 








24 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


to hide the markings and thereby make them less conspicuous. In two 
or three instances only did we observe any attempt at a nest, and 
these would not have been recognized as such without the eggs, consist¬ 
ing as they did of merely a few fragments of grass or bulrushes so dis¬ 
posed as to prevent the eggs from rolling; in most cases the eggs rested 
in a slight depression on the bare mud. The sun appears to be their 
chief incubator, although the decaying vegetation of which the aband¬ 
oned muskrat houses consist, doubtless plays some part in the process. 

In no instance did we succeed in flushing a bird from the eggs, although 
they would appear in pairs to the number of twenty or thirty and hover 
about within a few feet of our heads making a great outcry when we 
approached their property, which was soon to be ours by right of dis¬ 
covery. 

“ At other times the birds were not at all gregarious, being usually 
observed foraging singly or in pairs. Several young of the year were j 
taken, thus confirming the statement of the resident who informed us 
that he had taken numbers of the eggs of the first brood in May. Of 
the dozen or more sets of eggs taken by us early in July, more than half 
were fresh or nearly so.” At Erie Bay, near the city of Erie, single in¬ 
dividuals or small flocks of these Terns are seen nearly every spring and 
fall. Mr. George B. Sennett, of Erie, a gentleman to whom I am greatly 
indebted for much valuable information concerning the bird-life of the 
Erie-Crawford district, has observed the Black Tern in the vicinity of 
Erie city only during the spring and fall. I have in my collection four 
Black Terns, three of which were captured in Chester county (two in fall, 
one in spring), the other was shot in Delaware county (September, 1880). 
The following-named gentlemen report the occurrence of this species in 
their respective localities : Lycoming county—an irregular spring and 
fall visitor—August Koch, Williamsport, Pa. Lancaster county—a strag¬ 
gler—Dr. A. C. Treichler, Elizabethtown, Pa. Yenango county—a rare 
straggler—Prof. J. R Bobertson, Pranklin, Pa. Mercer county—“ one 
specimen shot in the spring, 1887 ”—S. S. Overmoyer, New Lebanon, 

Pa. Cumberland county—one seen in the autumn—Messrs. Wm. M. and 
S. F. Baird (List of Birds of Cumberland County, Pa., published in 1844). 


Family RYNCHOPID.dE. Skimmers. 

THE SKIMMERS. 

Only one species of this family is found in the United States. These birds have 
extremely long wings and webbed feet, but like the Terns, they rarely, if ever, it is 
said, swim or rest upon the water. They have exceedingly odd-looking bills ; both 
mandibles are quite flat, with blunt ends ; the upper mandible is much shorter than 
the lower. They subsist almost exclusively on fish which they catch when skim¬ 
ming close to the water’s surface. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


25 


Genus RYNCHOPS Linn. 


Rynchops nigra Linn. 

Black Skimmer. 


Description. 

Adult .—Length about 19 inches ; extent about 50 inches. The upper mandible in 
specimen before me is nearly l of an inch shorter than the lower; both mandibles 
have obtuse ends, the lower being very blunt and rounded ; lower mandible much 
more flattened throughout its length than the upper ; both edges of lower mandible 
are sharp, and the upper edge fits in a groove, extending along the entire length of 
upper mandible. Forehead, lores, sides of head, chin, throat, front of neck and rest 
of under plumage, tips of secondaries, sides of upper tail coverts and greater part of 
tail white; crown, back of neck, back, wings, most of rump and central tail feathers 
brownish-black ; bill (dried skin) basal half yellowish (carmine in freshly killed 
specimens), rest brownish-black ; tarsi and feet reddish-brown ; the black claws are 
rather long, sharp and curved. 

Habitat .—Warmer parts of America, north on the Atlantic coast to New Jersey, 
and casually to the Bay of Fundy. 

This species is given as a Pennsylvania bird on the authority of the 
late C. D. Wood, of Philadelphia, from whom I obtained a single speci¬ 
men which he assured me was shot by himself near Philadelphia, shortly 
after a severe storm in September, 1880. This specimen is, I believe, 
the only one of its species that has ever been recorded in the state. In 
the summer of 1883—June and August—when visiting at Brigantine 
Beach, New Jersey, I saw a few of these birds in flocks of seven to 
twelve each. Fishermen and other residents of the place informed me 
they bred every year in that locality. It is said that this species still 
breeds sparingly in New Jersey, which is, I have no doubt, about the 
northern limit of their breeding range. Black Skimmers were quite 
plentiful on several islands along the eastern shore of Virginia, where I 
remained for a few days in August, 1879. 


Order TUBINARES. Tube-nosed Swimmers. 

Family PROCELLARIID^l. Petrels, Etc. 

THE PETRELS, ETC. 

The birds of this family are strictly oceanic. The few individuals that have been 
observed in Pennsylvania have all been found during or after storms that have 
driven them inland. “ The plumage is compact and oily to resist water ; the sexes 
appear to be always alike, and no seasonal changes are determined; but some vari¬ 
ation with age, or as a matter of individual peculiarity, certainly occurs in many 
cases. The food is entirely ol an animal nature, and latty substances, in particular, 
are eagerly devoured. When irritated many species eject an oily fluid from the 
mouth or nostrils, and some are so fat as to be occasionally used for lamps, a wick 
being run through the body. The eggs are few, or only one, laid in a rude nest or 








26 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


i 


none, on the ground or in a burrow. Petrels are silent birds, as a rule, contrasting 
with gulls and terns in this particular. Many or most are gregarious, congregating 
by thousands at their breeding places or where food is plenty.”— Coues ’ Key N. A. 
Birds. 


Genus PUFFINUS Brisson. 

Puffinus major Faber. 

Greater Shearwater. 

Description. 

“ Adult. —Head above cheeks, occiput, a narrow line on the nape and upper part of 
back brownish-ash, paler on the hind neck ; feathers of the back with lighter margins , 
lower part of back dark-brown; upper tail coverts of same color, terminating 
broadly with grayish-white ; primaries and tail brownish-black, the former white 
on the basal part of the inner webs; secondaries and tertiaries dark brown, the sec¬ 
ondaries white on their inner webs nearly to the end; wing coverts ashy-brown, 
with lighter margins; under plumage pure white, the neck nearly encircled with 
white; sides of the neck, anterior to the bend of the wings, marked with waving 
lines of pale ash ; lower tail coverts dark ash, with light-gray edgings; bill yellowish- 
green, the tip brownish-black; iris brown ; tarsi and feet livid yellow. Length 
about 20 inches ; ” (extent about 45 inches.)— Baird's Birds of N. A. 

Habitat. —Atlantic Ocean ; south to Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope. 

A single bird of this species—the only one, so far as I have been able 
to learn, that has been taken within our borders—is recorded by the 
late Dr. Ezra Michener as an accidental visitor in Chester county. I 
have never seen the Shearwater in its natural state, hence cannot give, 
from my own observations, anything concerning it. “Audubon men¬ 
tions finding this species ranging from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to that 
of Mexico; but he very rarely met with it near the coast. In sailing to 
Labrador, when off the coast of Nova Scotia, one evening in June, about 
sunset, he observed a great number flying from the rocky shore, and 
believed they were breeding there. In this belief he was confirmed by 
the fact that hardly one was to be seen there by day, that being the 
time when these birds are in the habit of remaining about their nests. 
In September they are to be seen far from land, both by day and by 
night; and in calm weather they alight on the water and may then be 
easily approached. They swim buoyantly, and when sporting on the 
water present a very graceful appearance. Two that had been caught 
with hooks walked about as well as ducks. On being approached they 
would open their bills, raise their feathers, and ejected through their 
nostrils an oily substance. * * * They refused all sorts of food, and, 
being very unpleasant pets, were soon set at liberty, when, instead of 
flying away directly, they plunged into the water, dived about, then 
splashed and washed themselves, before they took to their wings, flying 
with their usual ease and grace, In the stomachs of those he opened 
Audubon found portions of fish, crabs, sea-weeds and oily substances.”— 
B. B. and R. Birds of N. A., Vol. ii. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


27 


Genus PROCELLARIA Linnjsus. 

Procellaria pelagica Linn. 

Stormy Petrel; “Mother Carey’s Chicken.” 

Description. 

Adult .—Tail very slightly rounded; legs short; length about 5| inches ; bill and 
feet black ; iris quite or nearly black ; upper tail coverts white, except towards the 
ends, which are blackish ; upper parts brownish-black ; lower parts grayish-sooty 
black. 

Habitat .—Atlantic Ocean, south on the American side to the Newfoundland banks, 
west coast of Africa and coast of Europe. 

Accidental visitor in Pennsylvania. According- to Dr. Turnbull ( Birds 
t of East Pennsylvania), one was captured under Market street bridg-e in 
Philadelphia. Dr. W. L. Hartman, of Pittston, mentions the Stormy 
Petrel as an accidental visitor in Luzerne county. 


Genus OCEANODROMA Reichenbach. 


Oceanodroma leucorhoa (Vieill.). 

Leach’s Petrel. 


Description. 

Adult .—Legs short; larger than the Stormy Petrel, which it resembles in colora¬ 
tion, but is easily recognized by the forked tail. 

Habitat .—North Atlantic and north Pacific Oceans; south on the coast of the 
United States to Virginia and California; breeds from Maine and the Hebrides north¬ 
ward on the coasts of the Atlantic. 


Leach’s Petrel is the common “ Mother Carey’s Chicken ” to be seen 
on the Atlantic from Chesapeake Bay northward. This species has been 
observed only as a rare straggler in Pennsylvania, whither it has been 
driven by fierce storms of wind and rain. Dr. W. P. Turnbull {Birds of 
East Pennsylvania ), says: “During a gale in August, 1842, a number 
were driven inland.” In September, 1879, I had a specimen presented 
to me by the late Dr. George Martin, of West Chester, who had picked 
it up in his yard in an exhausted and dying condition. Captain A. A. 
Clay, of Rasselas, Pa., informs me that a relative of his killed one about 
four years ago on a small pond in Elk county. 

Note.— The Wilson’s Petrel ( Oceanites oceanicus) has been captured, 
it is said, in Pennsylvania, but as my informant is not quite clear on this 
matter I do not deem it best to include the species in our fauna. The 
plumage of Wilson’s Petrel is very much the same in coloration as the 
Stormy Petrel, but it differs from this latter bird in having very long 
legs, and the interdigital webs spotted with yellow. 






28 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


ORDER STEGANOPODES. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. 
Family PHALACROCORACID.®. Cormorants. 

CORMORANTS.* 

These birds are found more or less abundantly in nearly all parts of the world. 
About twenty-five species, it is stated, are known to science. According to different 
writers we have in North America eleven or twelve kinds of these curious birds. A 
single species is known to occur in Pennsylvania. Although most numerous on the 
sea-coast, many of them visit lakes and large rivers in the interior. They are of a 
gregarious nature, and frequently great numbers are observed together, especially 
when breeding. Cormorants in company with Great Blue Herons ( Ardea herodias) 
and Water Turkeys (Anhinga anhinga) breed in considerable numbers on large 
lakes in the interior of Florida. The rather bulky nests are constructed principally 
of sticks and are built on high rocky ledges, or on trees and thick bushes; eggs, 
two to five in number, are a pale greenish-blue color, overlaid with a yellowish- 
white chalky crust. The Chinese train Cormorants to catch fish for the market. 
The prudent Chinaman knowing the voracious nature of his feathered servant places 
a band or close-fitting collar about the bird’s neck before it starts from its perch in 
search of the finny tribe. Cormorants subsist almost entirely on fish; they are good 
swimmers, expert divers, but walk poorly. In these birds the body is heavy, the 
neck long, the long, stiff tail is composed of 12 or 14 feathers, and the four long toes 
are all connected by webs. All have a leathery sack at the base of the lower 
mandible. 


Genus PHALACROCORAX Brisson. 
Phalacrocorax dilophus (Sw. & Rich.). 

Double-crested Cormorant. 

Description. 

Adult.— Bill rather long, stout and slightly tapering ; upper mandible strongly 
hooked and acute ; gular sac naked ; nostrils not visible ; tail 12 feathers. Length 
about 30 inches ; extent about 48 inches ; upper mandible brownish above and yel¬ 
lowish on sides ; lower, mainly yellow ; naked skin about the eyes and gular pouch 
orange-yellow ; inside of mouth black ; iris green ; legsandfeet black. Head, neck, 
lower part of back, rump and under parts glossy greenish-black ; upper portion of 
back and wings brownish-black, with many feathers bordered with black ; curly 
black tufts on sides of head back of eye ; tail black. Specimen taken in the fall has 
no lateral crests; the head and neck brownish-black and the body above and below 
is mainly black, with a faint greenish-gloss. 

Habitat. —Eastern coast of North America, breeding from the Bay of Fundy 
northward ; southward in the interior to the great lakes and Wisconsin. 

The only locality in this state where the Double-crested Cormorant 
has been observed appears to be on the lake shore in Erie county, where 
Messrs. George B. Sennett and Mr. James Thompson, both residing in 
Erie city, inform me it occurs as a somewhat rare and irregular visitor 
late in the fall or early winter. October 26, 1889, when shooting ducks 
on the “ peninsula ” near Erie city, Mr. James Thompson and a com- 

*In the first edition of the Birds of Pennsylvania, page 232. the Cormorant (P. carbo) was given as a 
“very rare, or accidental winter visitor. ” and that Mr. H. B. Graves had obtained one in Berks county. 
1 have recently ascertained that the bird referred to was not captured in Berks county or in Pennsylvania. 









BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


29 


* panion saw three of these birds fly down to their decoys; one, a fine 
male, was shot and kindly presented to me by Mr. Thompson. From 
l the stomach of this specimen a fish—known locally as “ buffalo-sucker ”— 
measuring between eight and nine inches in length was taken. Mr. 
Sennett has one or two Cormorants in his collection, captured recently 
in the locality above-mentioned. 

Family PELECANIDiE. Pelicans. 

THE PELICANS. 

Pelicans are large-sized birds, with long, large, straight, rather broad and sharply 
hooked and acute bills; they have short stout legs and webbed feet. Below the 
lower mandible and connected with throat is a large sac or pouch, capable of con¬ 
siderable expansion ; the capacity of this pouch, which is largest in the brown peli¬ 
can, will hold when distended, it is stated, over a gallon. In writing of these birds 
Dr. Coues ( Key to N. A. Birds) says in referring to the bill, “this organ is used 
like a dip-net to catch tish with ; when it is filled, the bird closes and throws up the 
bill, contracts the pouch, letting the water run out of the corners of its mouth and 
swallows the prey. Pelicans feed in two ways ; most of them, like our white one, 
scoop up fish as they swim along on the water ; but the brown species plunges head¬ 
long into the water from on wing, like a gannet, and makes a grab, often remaining 
submerged for a few seconds. Neither species often catches large fish ; they prefer 
small fry of which several hundred may be required for a full meal. The prevalent 
impression that the pouch serves to convey live fish, swimming in water, to the little 
pelicans in the nest, is untrue ; the young are fed with partially macerated fish dis¬ 
gorged by the parents from the crop. As Audubon remarks, it is doubtful whether 
a pelican could fly at all with its burden so out of trim”—( Coues' Key). On the 
ground they move awkwardly, but when flying they progress in a slow yet easy 
manner by a regular flapping of the wings ; they swim gracefully. The white 
species, it is said, like some of the Cormorants, has been tamed and taught to catch 
fish. The nest, a bulky structure of sticks, grass, etc., according to different writers, 
is placed usually on the ground, and sometimes in trees or low bushes ; the eggs, 
from one to four in number, are described as a dull white, with a roughened chalky 
shell and more or less blood-stained. Three species found in the United States in¬ 
habit chiefly the temperate and tropical regions ; they frequent sea-coasts, bays, large 
rivers, and also many of the large lakes in the interior. 


Genus PELECANUS Linnaeus. 

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmel. 

American White Pelican. 

Description. 

Length 5or 6 feet; extent 8 to 9^ feet; weight is said to range from 15 to 20pounds. 

Adult .—General color pure white; primaries black; lengthened feathers of head 
and breast light-yellow ; bill, pouch, legs and feet yellowish. 

Habitat. —Temperate North America, north in the interior to about latitude 61°, 
south to Central America ; now rare or accidental in the northeastern states ; abun¬ 
dant in the Middle Province and along the Gulf coast; common on the coast of Cal¬ 
ifornia and western Mexico. 

The White Pelican is a very rare and irregular visitor in Pennsylva¬ 
nia. At long intervals stragglers of this species have been observed on 
the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers. Mr. George B. Sennett, of Erie, 









30 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


informs me a few of these birds were seen, about fifteen or twenty years 
ago, in the neighborhood of Erie city. Dr. Walter V an Fleet, of Iienovo, 
mentions it as an accidental visitor in Clinton county. About five or six 
years ago three or four of these Pelicans were seen on the Susquehanna 
river, at Keating; one of them was shot and is now in the possession of 
a gentleman residing at Renovo, Pa., a delightful summer resort in the 
mountains, on the Philadelphia and Erie railroad. 


Order ANSERES. lamellirostral Swimmers. 

Family ANATIDiE. Ducks, Geese, and Swans. 

THE DUCKS, ETC. 

The ducks, gees6 and swans, according to Dr. Coues ( Key to N. A. Birds), are 
represented by nearly one hundred and seventy-five species, inhabiting all parts of 
the world. Of this large number there are probably about fifty kinds which occur 
regularly in different parts of the United States, as residents or during migrations. 
In Pennsylvania nearly twenty species are found during the spring and fall migra¬ 
tions and in winter. But few species are now known to breed regularly in this 
state ; in fact, the Wood Duck ( Aix sponsa ), it seems, is the only one that may be 
said to be at all common and fairly well distributed (in the wooded and thinly pop¬ 
ulated districts chiefly) as a breeder. Several species are also found in different 
sections of the state as rare and irregular visitants, and occasionally a few others, 
which have wandered considerably from their common range, are captured here. 
The Canada Goose, the Mergansers, the Wood, Ruddy and Buffi e-head ducks, and 
some few other kinds are met with quite frequently about the rivers, creeks, lakes, 
and numerous ponds in nearly all parts of the state. The great majority of the 
members of this important family which visit here are, however, found mainly on 
the large rivers—especially the Susquehanna—and about the shores of Lake Erie. 

The best locations for duck shooting in this state are at different points on the 
Susquehanna, from Harrisburg southward, and at Erie bay, where several species 
are quite numerous every year during the regular migrations. “It is not easy to 
overrate the economic importance of this large family. It is true that the Mergan¬ 
sers, some of the sea ducks and certain maritime geese that feed chiefly upon animal 
substances, are scarcely fit for food ; but the great majority afford a bounteous sup¬ 
ply of sapid meat—a chief dependence, indeed, with the population of some inhos¬ 
pitable regions. Such is the case, for example, in the boreal parts of this continent, 
whither vast bands of water-fowl resort to breed during the fleeting Arctic summer. 
Their coming marks a season of comparative plenty in places where hunger often 
pinches the belly, and their warm, downy covering is patched into garments almost 
cold-proof. 

“The general traits of the anserine birds are too well known to require more than 
passing notice. They are salacious to a degree, remarkable even in the hot-blooded, 
passionate class of birds; a circumstance rendering the production of hybrids fre¬ 
quent, and favoring the study of this subject. If we recall the peculiar actions of 
geese nipping herbage, and of ducks ‘dabbling’ in the water, and know that some 
species, as the Mergansers, pursue fish and other live prey under water, we have 
the principal modes of feeding. Nidification is usually on the ground, sometimes in 
a hollow tree ; the nest is often warmly lined with live feathers; the eggs are usu¬ 
ally of some plain pale color, as greenish, drab or creamy ; the clutch varies in num¬ 
ber, commonly ranging from half a dozen to a dozen and a half. The young are 












BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


31 


clothed in a stiffish down, and swim at once. Among the ducks and Mergansers 
marked sexual diversity in color is the rule ; the reverse is the case with swans and 
geese. A noteworthy coloration of many species, especially of ducks, is the specu¬ 
lum —a brightly-colored, generally iridescent area on the secondary quills. Most of 
the species are migratory, particularly those of the northern hemisphere ; the flight 
is performed in bands, that seem to preserve discipline as well as companionship, 
and with such regularity that no birds are better entitled to the claim of weather- 
prophets.”— Coues ’ Key to North American Birds. 

Subfamily MERGING. Mergansers. 

THE MERGANSERS. 

The Mergansers, or Fishing Ducks, are probably the most common of all “wild 
ducks” about our smaller streams and ponds during the winter season. Mergan¬ 
sers can easily be recognized by the bill, which is long (two inches or more in 
length), hooked, almost cylindrical, quite slenderand furnished with saw-like teeth. 
Like the Loons, Cormorants, etc., these birds, when swimming under the water, em¬ 
ploy their wings in the same manner as when flying in the air. They subsist almost 
exclusively on fish ; their flesh is dark colored, quite tough and unpalatable. Three 
species of this subfamily are found in the United States, and all occur in Pennsyl¬ 
vania. 


Genus MERGANSER Brisson. 

Merganser americanus (Cass.). 

American Merganser ; Goosander; Fish-duck; Sheldrake. 

Description. 

Nostrils large and situated about in middle of bill ; bill longer than head ; feathers 
of forehead extend be 3 ^ond those on sides of bill. Legs and bill chiefly red,; iris in 
male carmine and in female reddish-yellow. 

Male. —Head and upper part of neck very dark glossy-green ; head slightly 
crested ; upper part of back black; lower part of neck, breast and greater part of 
wings (the latter crossed by black band) white ; under parts salmon-colored. 

Female is somewhat smaller than male, and has a rather conspicuous occipital 
crest; head and neck reddish-brown; upper parts ashy-gray; lower parts similar 
to male, but much paler. Length about 26 inches ; extent about 33 inches. 

Habitat.— North America generally, breeding south to the northern United 
States. 

This species, the largest of the Mergansers, is found generally through¬ 
out the state as a common spring and fall migrant, and in winter it 
occurs quite frequently in many parts of the state, particularly in the 
southern counties. The American Merganser is the most abundant of 
the three species inhabiting this region, and in former years it unques¬ 
tionably bred regularly in various localities in Pennsylvania. Nuttall 
gives an interesting account of the discovery of a female Merganser with 
a brood of eight young, not larger than the egg of a goose, on the Sus¬ 
quehanna river (Pa.) in May, 1832. In 1844 the Messrs. Baird* recorded 
this species as breeding in Perry county, and in the ornithological re¬ 
port of the late Judge Libhart, published about twelve or fifteen years 

* List of birds found in the vicinity of Carlisle, Cumberland county. Pa., by William M. and Spencer 
F Baird, published April, 1844 ; American Journal Sciences and Arts, Vol. XLVI. Hereafter whenever 
reference is made to the Baird List, it will apply to this publication. 








32 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


ago in the history of Lancaster county, Pa., the Goosander, also the 
Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers are all mentioned as breeding in 
Lancaster county. According to Mr. E. A. Samuels (Our Northern and 
Eastern Birds) this species “ is one of the most abundant summer resi¬ 
dents in the lake region of northern Maine.” Dr. Walter Yan Fleet, of 
Renovo, Pa., says this Merganser breeds in Clinton county. Prof. Au¬ 
gust Koch, of Williamsport, Pa., in a letter addressed to me dated June 
26, 1889, writes as follows: “ The Hooded and American Mergansers 

are regular breeders (in Lycoming county); have taken the young of 
both before they were able to fly.” From all the information I can i 
obtain the Goosander has not been known to breed for many years past 
anywhere in Pennsylvania other than the counties of Clinton and Ly¬ 
coming, and in both of these localities Dr. Yan Fleet and Prof. Koch 
have observed the species to be a rare summer resident, but common in 
the spring and fall and of frequent occurrence in the winter when the 
streams are not frozen over. I have never had the good fortune to find 
a nest of this species, but according to different writers it usually builds 
its nest of leaves, grasses, moss, feathers and down, in hollow trees ; 
“eggs 6—8, elliptical, buff-colored, 2.75 x 2.”— Goues. 

This species, like all other of our “ wild ducks,” is exceedingly shy 
and difficult to approach. According to Audubon, “ the food of the 
Goosander consists chiefly of fish, but also of bivalve shells, snails, 
leeches, aquatic lizards, crays and frogs. Its voracity is great, so that 
it consumes an extraordinary quantity of fish. I have found fishes in 
its stomach seven inches in length, and of smaller kinds, so many as to 
weigh more than half a pound. Digestion takes place with great 
rapidity, insomuch that some which I have had in captivity devoured 
more than two dozen of fishes about four inches in length, four times 
daily, and yet always seemed to be desirous of more.” 

The stomachs of nine of these Mergansers, which I have examined, 
contained only the remains of fish. 

Merganser serrator (Linn.). 

Red-breasted Merganser ; Fish duck. 

Description. 

Nostrils narrow and situated near base of bill; bill longer than head; frontal 
feathers do not extend beyond those on side of bill; both sexes have long and 
pointed occipital crests. Legs and bill are red, brighter in male than female ; iris 
carmine. 

Male. —Head and upper part of neck front and back dark-green ; white ring about 
lower part of neck; jugulum brownish-red, with black and dusky streaks; back 
black ; under parts yellowish-white ; wings crossed by two black bars. 

Female. —Head grayish reddish-brown; upper parts grayish lead color; throat 
and under parts yellowish-white and sides grayish. Length about 24 inches ; extent 
about 32 inches. 

Habitat.— Northern portion of Northern Hemisphere ; south in winter through¬ 
out the United States. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


33 


The Red-breasted Merganser, a summer resident chiefly north of the 
United States, appears to be the rarest of the three species in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, where it is found frequenting, usually, rivers and large creeks 
from late in October until early in April. Formerly, according to Dr. 
Turnbull, Judge Libhart, and some few other writers, this duck occa¬ 
sionally reared its young in this state. None of these birds, however, 
have been observed for many years past in Pennsylvania as summer resi¬ 
dents, and 1 am inclined to believe that this Merganser is not now found 
with us as a breeder. 

The nest and eggs are described by Audubon, as follows : “In Lab¬ 
rador, as well as in several parts of the United States, where I have 
found the nests, they were placed within a very short distance of the 
margins of fresh-water ponds, among rank grasses and sedges or beneath 
low bushes. * * * The nest is made of dry weeds and mosses of 

various kinds, and is warmly lined with down from the breast of the 
female bird, for the male leaves her as soon as she has completed the 
laying of the eggs, the number of which I have never found to exceed 
ten, they being more frequently six or eight. It is a very remarkable 
fact that the eggs in this family of birds are usually even in number, 
whereas in most land birds they are odd. * * * The eggs resemble 

in form those of the domestic fowl, and are of a uniform plain, dull yel¬ 
lowish cream-color.” 

The stomachs of three Red-breasted Mergansers, which I have exam¬ 
ined, contained only the remains of fish. 


Genus LOPHODYTES Reichenbach. . 

Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.). 

Hooded Merganser. 

Description (Plate S ). 

Nostrils rather long and narrow ; frontal leathers extend beyond those on sides of 
bill; iris in both sexes yellow ; bill shorter than head ; head with a conspicuous, 
compressed semicircular crest, smaller in the female than the male. 

Adult Male. —Head, chin, neck all round, and back, black; white on sides of 
breast in front of wing, crossed by two black crescents, the triangular-shaped centre 
ol crest, under parts, and speculum (the latter crossed with two black bars) white ; 
sides reddish-brown, barred with dusky; bill brownish-black, trasi (dried skin) 
dark brownish-yellow. 

Female Adult.— Bill (dried skin) upper mandible brownish-black, except edges 
about base and lower mandible yellow ; tarsi and feet dark-brown ; top of head dark 
glossy-brown ; chin and upper part ot throat whitish, breast and under parts mostly 
white ; neck reddish-brown, lightest on sides and darkest on back and lower parts; 
back and sides dark-brown ; less white on wings than in male. Length about 17 
inches ; extent about 25 inches. 

Habitat. —North America generally, south to Mexico and Cuba, breeding nearly 
throughout its range. 

3 Birds. 







34 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


This handsome bird, the smallest of the Mergansers, is found generally 
throughout North America. Nuttall remarks that in winter it migrates 
as far south as Mexico. The Hooded Merganser breeds in various por¬ 
tions of the United States, and also far northward. Dr. Coues (. Birds 
of the Northwest) states that it “breeds in northern Dakota and also on 
the upper Missouri and Milk rivers.” I have seen eggs of this bird 
which were labeled “ Maine,” and am informed that young, but a few 
days old, have been taken in New York State. In Pennsylvania this 
species is rather common, and is generally seen singly or in pairs, ; 
sometimes in flocks of five or eight, in rivers and ponds during the 
spring, fall and winter months. A few of these ducks are also observed 
here in summer, but as natives they are quite uncommon, and they 
have of late years been found breeding only in a few secluded locali¬ 
ties in our state. Prof. H. Justin Roddy, of Millersville, Pa., in a letter 
dated July 15,1889, says, “ The Hooded Merganser does not now breed 
regularly in Perry county (Pa.), but I have the last two years secured 
young specimens; one last June (1888), and one this year in the same 
month. They formerly bred regularly along Sherman’s creek, near the 
Warm Springs.” Mr. August Koch, of Williamsport, informs me this 
Merganser is a regular but rare breeder in Lycoming county. The 
late Wm. Y. Rambo, of West Chester, had in his collection two adults 
(male and female) of this species which were captured four years ago, 
in midsummer, in Union county. I have an adult female taken June 
23, 1890, in Chester county, where this Merganser is seldom seen in 
summer. “ The Hooded Mergansers that remain with us nestle in the 
same kind of holes or hollows as the Wood Duck; at least I have found 
their nests in such situations seven or eight times, although I never saw 
one of them alight on the branches of a tree, as the birds just mentioned 
are wont to do. They dive as it were directly into their wooden burrows, 
where, on a few dried weeds and feathers of different kinds, with a 3 mall 
quantity of down from the breast of the female, the eggs, five to eight 
in number, are deposited. The young, like those of the Wood Duck, 
are conveyed to the water by their mother, who carries them gently in 
her bill; for the male takes no part in providing for his offspring, but 
abandons his mate as soon as incubation has commenced. The affec¬ 
tionate mother leads her young among the tall, rank grasses which fill 
the shallow pools or the borders of creeks, and teaches them to procure 
snails, tadpoles and insects.”— Audubon. 

I have noticed that the Hooded Mergansers are usually to be found 
about mill-ponds and other small bodies of water, while the other two 
species are mostly found frequenting the shallow borders of the larger 
streams. 

During the summer months these birds are said to feed on fishes and 
various forms of aquatic insects. In the following table will be found 
the stomach contents of eleven Hooded Mergansers examined by myself: 




BIIWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


35 


Date. 

Locality. 

Food Materials. 

November 23. 1881. 

December 24. 1882. 

January —, 1883. 

January —, 1883. 

February 20, 1884,. 

April 3, 1884,. 

March 26, 1887,. 

March 26, 1887, .... 

November 20. 1889,. 

November 20, 1889. 

June 23, 1890. 

Chester countv, Pa., ... 

Philadelphia Market, Pa., 

Philadelphia Market, Pa., . 

Philadelphia Market. Pa.,. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Chester county, Pa., .... 

Chester county, Pa. 

Chester county, Pa... 

Philadelphia Market. Pa. 

Philadelphia Market, Pa... 

Chester county, Pa. 

Remains of fish. 
Remains of fish. 
Remains of fish. 
Remains of fish. 
Remains of fish. 
Remains of fish. , 
Remains of fish. 
Remains of fish. 
Remains of fish. 
Remains of fish. 
Fish and beetles. 


Subfamily ANATINAJ. River Ducks. 

THE RIVER DUCKS. 

About three dozen representatives of this subfamily are attributed by different 
modern writers to North America, and of this number probably fifteen species occur 
quite regularly in Pennsylvania. Many of these ducks feed principally on a vege¬ 
table diet and are highly esteemed as food, but others, especially those that inhabit 
sea-coast regions, and subsist almost entirely on different forms of aquatic animal- 
life as mollusks, shrimps, etc., have usually coarse, dark-colored and unpalatable 
flesh. All are good swimmers and some of them are expert divers. 


Genus ANAS Linnaius. 


Anas boschas Linn. 


Mallard. 


Description. 


Bill little longer than head, broad and flattened toward the rounded end. 

“ Male. —Head and upper part of neck glossy-green, which is separated from the 
dark chestnut-brown of lower part of neck and breast by a white ring. Under parts 
and sides, with the scapulars, pale-gray, very finely undulated with dusky; other 
scapulars with brownish tinge ; fore part of back reddish-brown ; posterior more 
olivaceous; crissum and upper tail coverts black ; tail externally white ; wing 
coverts brownish-gray the greater coverts tipped with white and narrowly with 
black ; speculum purplish-violet, terminated with black ; a recurved tuft of feathers 
on rump. 

“ Female. —Wing same as in male ; under parts plain whitish ochrey, each feather 
obscurely blotched with dusky ; head and neck similar, spotted and streaked with 
dusky ; chin and throat above unspotted ; upper parts dark-brown, feathers edged 
with reddish-brown.”— Baird’s B. of N. A. 

Length about 24 inches ; extent about 35. 

Habitat. —Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere ; in America south to Panama 
and Cuba, breeding southward to the northern United States. 

Common spring- and fall migrant, much more numerous on the Sus¬ 
quehanna river and about the lake shore in Erie county than elsewhere 
throughout the state. Large flocks of these ducks are to be seen every 
spring and fall frequenting the grassy ponds on the peninsula at Erie 
bay, where, Mr. James Thompson, of Erie city, informs me, a few strag¬ 
glers remain sometimes during the summer and rear their young. The 
Mallard’s nest, placed on the ground, generally close to the water, is 
made up of dried grasses, weeds, feathers, etc. The eggs are described 









































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


by Dr. Coues as follows: “8-10, 2.25 X 1.60, smooth, dingy, yellowish- 
drab.” The stomachs of fifteen Mallards, killed on the Susquehanna river 
near Perryville, Md., in the spring and fall, which I have examined, 
contained only vegetable substances, mostly grasses and seeds. 


Anas obscura Gmel. 

Black Duck ; Dusky Duck ; Black Mallard. 

Description. 

Size about the same as Mallard (A. boschas). Bill very similar in size and shape 
to that of the Mallard. The sexes are alike, and although resembling somewhat the 
temale Mallard ( A. boschas), they can readily be distinguished from the latter by 
their darker color and the conspicuous white under wing coverts. Bill greenish- 
yellow ; tarsi yellowish ; iris brown; general color brownish-black, each feather 
edged with rusty-brown or grayish ; primaries and most of tail feathers dusky- 
brown. Speculum violet and black (narrowly tipped with white in male) ; feathers 
on top of head dusky-brown, with rusty or grayish edgings. Sides of head, chin, 
throat and upper part of neck grayish-white, with dark streaks, and in some speci¬ 
mens a yellowish tint on throat; lower part of back black. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, west to Utah and Texas, north to Labrador, 
breeding southward to the northern United States. 

Spring and fall migrant but much less common than the Mallard. 
Hunters residing in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania assert that a 
few of these ducks are occasionally seen in summer frequenting the 
numerous ponds or lakes in Susquehanna and Wayne counties, where 
possibly they occur as rare or irregular breeders. Dr. John W. Det- 
willer, of Bethlehem, Pa., mentions the Dusky Duck as having been 
found by himself breeding in our state; and Mr. W. K. Park, of Athens, 
Penna., has found this duck nesting in Bradford county. The Black 
Duck breeds on the ground; its eggs and nest are said to be very simi¬ 
lar to those of the Mallard. The food of this species is chiefly of a 
vegetable character. 


Anas strepera Linn. 

Gadwall ; Gray Duck. 

Description. 

“ Male .—Head and neck brownish-white, spotted with dusky ; top of head tinged 
with reddish ; lower part of neck with fore part of breast and back blackish, with 
concentric bars of white, giving a scaled appearance to feathers; interscapular re¬ 
gion, outermost scapulars and sides of body finely waved transversely with black 
and white. Middle wing coverts chestnut, the greater velvet black, succeeded by a 
white speculum, bordered externally by heavy gray, succeeded by black ; crissum 
and upper tail coverts black ; inside of wing and axillars pure white ; bill black. 

“Female .—Bill dusky, edged with reddish ; wing somewhat like that of male, but 
with chestnut-red more restricted. Length about 22 inches ; extent about 34 inches.” 
— Baird's B. of N. A. 

Habitat.— Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America breeds chiefly within the 
United States. 










BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


37 


Regular but rather rare spring and fall migrant; not known to occur* 
in Pennsylvania as a summer resident. Although this species is not 
common in the vicinity of Erie, good-sized Hocks are sometimes seen in 
company mostly with other species about Erie bay, where the Gadwall 
appears to occur in greater numbers than in other parts of the state. 


Anas americana Gmel. 

Baldpate; American Widgeon. 

Description. 

Bill shorter than head and rather narrow. 

Male. —Bill (dried skin) dark blue, black at base about feathers and at end ; tarsi 
brownish, webs and claws darker ; iris brown ; tops of head yellowish-white (more 
or less spotted in younger birds) ; broad patches of glossy-green on sides of head 
extend from eyes backward; back of neck also more or less glossed with green ; 
feathers in front of eyes, sides of head and neck, chin, throat and most of neck, 
grayish and faint yellowish-w'hite, spotted or banded with black ; fore neck and 
breast light brownish-red, with a faint grayish-gloss (a young male before me has 
brownish-red of breast spotted with black) ; sides of body somewhat brighter red¬ 
dish-brown, with fine blackish streaks ; lower part of breast and belly white ; upper 
back and scapulars reddish-brown, waved with dusky; rump lighter than lower 
back and finely waved or streaked with dusky and whitish ; crissum glossy black ; 
large white space on upper surface of wing; speculum glossy-green in a large 
velvety-black area. The female is easily recognized by the wing markings and the 
reddish-brown is duller than in male. Length about 21 inches ; extent about 34 
inches. 

Habitat. —North America, from the Arctic ocean south to Guatemala and Cuba. 

Regular but rather rare spring and fall migrant; not known to occur 
in Pennsylvania as a summer resident. Although not common in the 
neighborhood of Erie, good-sized flocks are occasionally seen, particu. 
larly in the fall, about Erie bay, where this species appears to be found, 
irregularly, in greater numbers than in other parts of the state. I have 
examined the food materials of three Baldpates taken in Pennsylvania; 
two had fed almost entirely on insects, chiefly beetles and crickets; the 
other one had in its stomach a green-colored vegetable substance, and 
small brown and yellowish seeds. 

Anas carolinensis Gmelin. 

Green-winged Teal. 

Description (Plate 60 ). 

Bill quite narrow and shorter than head. One of our smallest species measures 
about 14 inches in length by about 24 inches in extent. 

Aclult Male. —Bill (dried skin) blackish; tarsi brownish-yellow; iris brown; 
head and greater part of neck chestnut; chin and forehead blackish ; a broad, green 
patch extends backward from region of eyes; under part white or whitish ; feathers 
of upper breast light reddish-brown edged with grayish ; breast with numerous 
black spots ; white crescent in front of wing; lower part of neck, scapulars, side of 
breast, and body, finally waved with grayish-white and black ; crissum black in 






38 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


.middle, and brownish-yellow on each side; speculum bright green, bordered on 
front with tlark reddish-brown of the greater coverts and posteriorly by whitish tips 
of secondaries. 

Female. —Can easily be recognized by the wing, which is like that ol male but 
duller. j 

Habitat. —North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States, and mi¬ 
grating south to Honduras and Cuba. 

Common spring 1 and fall migrant and casual winter visitor. The 
Green-winged Teal although frequently met with on many of our small 
creeks and ponds is generally much more plentiful about the principal 
rivers. Late in August and in September these birds are quite com¬ 
mon at Erie bay where many of them are shot for the market. Individ¬ 
uals of this species are occasionally captured during the early summer 
months at Erie bay. Prof. August Kock, of Williamsport, says the 
Green-winged Teal occurs as a rare breeder in Lycoming county, Pa. 
The nest is placed on the ground; the eggs are a light greenish-buff 
color and measure about If inches long by about If inches broad. The 
food of these ducks consist principally of seeds of different grasses and 
weeds; they also eat different insects, and in a few instances I have 
found fragments of chestnuts and wild grapes in their stomachs. 

Anas discors Linn. 

Blue-winged Teal. 

Description. 

Bill broader than in Green-winged Teal and about as long as head. 

Adult Male. —Bill black ; feet and legs yellowish ; iris brown ; top of head, chin, 
and feathers bordering white spaces in front of eyes blackish ; rest of head and upper 
part of neck dull lead color; feathers of lower part of neck and foreback spotted 
with black and margined with white and grayish-brown ; lower part of back and 
rump dull brown; crissum black ; sides of tail coverts, more or less glossed with 
green, white patch on each rump; wing coverts and outer webs of few scapulars 
sky-blue ; greater coverts tipped with white ; speculum bright green with narrow 
white tip behind. 

Female. —Chin and throat yellowish-white and unspotted ; head and neck dark 
colored with grayish and yellow ; upper parts generally dark-brown, feathers edged 
with grayish ; wings with conspicuous sky-blue patches ; lower parts grayish-white 
with obscure dusky spots. Length about 16 inches ; extent about 30 inches. 

Habitat. —North America in general, but chiefly the eastern province; north to 
Alaska and south to the West Indies and northern South America, breeds from the 
northern United States northward. 

This species, a regular and somewhat common migrant in the spring 
and fall, is more numerous in this state in September, than at other 
times during their residence with us. The Blue-winged Teal inhabits 
mainly muddy ponds, pools and sloughs, where it collects different 
seeds and other vegetable materials, which constitute its chief bill of 
fare. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


39 


Genus SPATULA Boie 
S patula clypeata (Linn.). 

Shoveller; Spoonbill. 

Description. 

Bill much longer than head, spoon-shaped, being twice as wide toward the end as 
at base. In any plumage may be distinguished from other species by its odd 
spoon-like bill. 

Male. —Bill (driedskin) black; tarsi brownish-yellow ; iris reddish-yellow ; head 
and upper neck all round dark glossy green ; top of head in specimen before me is 
glossy black with purplish reflection ; lower part of neck and fore breast and patches 
at base of tail on each side, also most of lining of wings white; wing coverts and 
some of the scapulars on outer webs blue ; scapulars also conspicuously striped with 
black and white, fore back brownish-black mixed with white, and many of feathers 
edged with grayish ; lower part of back black. 

“Female .—With wing similar, but blue of wingand coverts less distinct; head and 
neck brownish-yellow spotted with dusky; the belly with a decided chestnut 
tinge.” Length about 21 inches ; extent about 32 inches. 

Habitat. —Northern hemisphere. In North America, breeding from Alaska to 
Texas ; not abundant on Atlantic coast. 

The Shoveller is a rare and rather irregular spring and fall migrant 
in all sections of the state. When found here this species is usually 
seen singly, or in pairs, and occasionally, though very seldom, small 
flocks are found. The Shoveller does not breed in Pennsylvania. 


Genus DAFILA Stephens. 

Dafila acuta (Linn.). 

Pintail; Sprig-tail. 

Description. 

Bill a little longer than head and rather narrow ; neck long; tail of male long and 
pointed. 

Male in Spring .—&ill black-bluish on sides; tarsi brownish lead color with 
greenish tinge ; webs black ; head, and about half of neck above dark-brown, glossed 
with green ; black stripe on back of neck, on either side of which is a long white 
stripe, connecting with white of lower half of neck and breast and abdomen ; back 
and sides grayish with fine transverse lines of black and white; lesser wing coverts 
gray ; speculum greenish-purple, with a buff border in front and a black and white 
border posteriorily ; crissum and long central tail feathers black, other tail feathers 
light-gray; scapulars and long tertiaries striped longitudinally with black and 
silver-grav. Length (depends on development of tail, which is usually 5 or 6 inches 
long) about 28 inches ; extent about 35 inches. 

“ Female .—With only a trace of the markings of the wing ; the green of speculum 
brownish with few green spots; feathers of back are brown with a broad U or 
V-shaped brownish-yellow bar on each feather anteriorily; sometimes these bars in 
the shape of broad transverse lines.”— Baird’B. of N. A. 

Habitat.— Northern hemisphere. In North America breeds from the northern 
parts of the United States northward, and migrates south to Panama and Cuba. 

The Pintail Duck is a regular spring- and fall migrant, but rare winter 









40 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

visitor in Pennsylvania. This species is one of the first to arrive in 
spring, being seen here often early in March frequenting principally the 
rivers and other larger streams. 

Genus AIX Boie. 


Aix sponsa (Linn.). 

Wood Duck ; Summer Duck ; Acorn Duck. 

Description ( Plate 4 ). 

Bill high at base and shorter than head, the latter crested. 

Male Adult. —Head with conspicuous green and purple crest; sides of head irides¬ 
cent purple, streak of white from base of bill to occiput, streak back of eye contin¬ 
uous with that of throat pure white ; sides and front of lower neck and fore part of j 
breast bright-chestnut with fine white spots; lower parts generally white; upper 1 
surface of wings beautifully marked with iridescent metallic hues. Female with 
grayish head and lengthened feathers behind ; throat white ; fore neck, upper breast 
and sides brownish-yellow, and streaked with grayish ; upper parts generally dark- 
brown glossed with purple chiefly. Length about 19 inches ; extent about 28 inches. 

Habitat.— Temperate North America, breeding throughout its range. 

The Wood Duck is a resident, and breeds in various sections of this 
commonwealth. During the breeding season it generally is found about 
streams and ponds in heavily wooded and thinly populated districts. 

In Pennsylvania this species is rare in winter and most plentiful in 
autumn. The Wood Duck is an abundant winter resident in Florida, 
where it also breeds. I have seen downy young of this bird which were 
captured late in March, 1885, in Orange county, Florida. “ The Wood 
Duck breeds in the Middle states about the beginning of April, in Mas¬ 
sachusetts a month later, and in Nova Scotia, or on our northern lakes, 
seldom before the first days of June. In Louisiana and Kentucky, 
where I have had better opportunities of studying their habits in this 
respect, they generally pair about the first of March, sometimes a fort¬ 
night earlier. I never knew one of these birds to form a nest on the 
ground or on the branches of a tree. They appear at all times to pre¬ 
fer the hollow, broken portion of some large branch, the hole of our 
large Woodpecker, or the deserted retreat of the fox squirrel; and I 
have frequently been surprised to see them go in and out of a hole of 
any one of these, when their bodies, while on the wing, seemed to be 
nearly half as large again as the aperture within which they had de¬ 
posited their eggs. Once only I found a nest (with ten eggs) in the 
fissure of a rock, on the Kentucky river, a few miles below Frankfort. 
Generally, however, the holes to which they betake themselves are either 
over deep swamps, above cane-brakes, or on broken branches of high 
sycamores, seldom more than forty or fifty feet from the water. They 
are much attached to their breeding places, and for three successive 
years I found a pair near Henderson, in Kentucky, with the eggs, in the 
beginning of April, in the abandoned nest of the Ivory-billed Wood- 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


41 


pecker. The eggs, which are from six to fifteen, according to the age of 
the bird, are placed on dry plants, feathers, and a scanty portion of 
down, which I believe is mostly plucked from the breast of the female. 
They are perfectly smooth, nearly elliptical, of a light color, between 
buff and pale-green, two inches in length by one and a half in diameter. 
“No sooner has the female completed her set of eggs than she is aban¬ 
doned by her mate, who now joins others, which form themselves into 
considerable flocks, and thus remain apart till the young are able to fly, 
when old and young of both sexes come together, and so remain until 
the commencement of the next breeding season. * * * * 

If the nest is placed immediately over the water the young, the mo¬ 
ment they are hatched, scramble to the mouth of the hole, launch into 
the air with their little wings and feet spread out, and drop into their 
favorite element; but whenever their birth-place is some distance from 
it, the mother carries them to it, one by one, in her bill, holding them 
so as not to injure their yet tender frame. On several occasions, how¬ 


ever, when the hole was thirty, forty, or more yards from a bayou or 


other piece of water, I observed that the mother suffered the young to 
fall on the grasses and dried leaves beneath the tree, and afterwards led 


them directly to the nearest edge of the next pool or creek.”— Audubon. 

In some twenty odd examinations that I have made of these birds ? 
which were killed in Florida in March and April, 1885, I found only 
vegetable substances, consisting chiefly of various small seeds, had been 
fed upon. 

The food materials of eight Wood Ducks, taken in the fall and early 
winter months, in or near Pennsylvania, are given in the following table : 


No. 

Date. 

1 

September—, 1878, . 

2 

September—, 1878, . 

3 

September—, 1878. . 

4 

September—, 1878, . 

5 

October 4, 1880, . 

6 

October 4, 1880, . 

7 

November 20, 1883, . 

8 

November 3, 1882, . 


Locality. 


Chester county, Pa. 

Chester county. Pa., . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Philadelphia Market. Pa., 
Philadelphia Market, Pa., 
Philadelphia Market. Pa., 
Philadelphia Market, Pa., 


Food Materials. 


Acorns. 

Acorns. 

Acorns and small seeds. 

Small seeds. 

Acorns. 

Small seeds and other vegetable matter. 
Small seeds. 

Small seeds. 


Genus AYTHYA Boie. 




Aythya americana (Eyt.). 


Red-head. 




Description (Plate 62). 


Bill broad and flattened, little shorter than head. 

Adult Male .—Bill dull blue, the end black ; tarsi grayish-blue; iris reddish-yellow; 
head and half or more of neck all round rich glossy-reddish chestnut; rest of neck, 
fore part of body above and below, lower part of back, upper and lower tail coverts 
blackish; back, scapulars and sides finely waved with black and white lines ; belly 
white, darker toward the vent; wing coverts ashy-gray with minute white spots; 
speculum light bluish-gray, edged internally with black. 






























42 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Female .—Iris plain yellow ; head and neck grayish-brown ; chin and upper part 
of throat very light; upper parts brownish ; wings about same as in male. Length 
about 22 inches ; extent about 32 inches. 

Habitat .—North America; breeding from California and Maine northward. 

Spring- and fall migrant, more numerous about Erie bay and the 
Susquehanna river than in other sections of the state; occasional winter 
visitant. Some few years ago while hunting along the Brandywine 
creek, near West Chester, Pa., I suddenly came upon a flock of thirteen 
Red heads busily engaged in feeding. As they arose from the water I 
succeeded in killing two of them. Assisted by my honored friend, 
Benjamin M. Everhart, I made an examination of the stomachs of these 
two birds and found that both fed exclusively on “ wild celery,” * a 
somewhat common, though not abundant aquatic plant in this locality. 
The food of this species varies according to locality and circumstances. 
Wilson says the Red-head is a common associate of the Canvas-back, 
frequenting the same places and feeding on the stems of the wild celery. 
Audubon, writing of the Red-heads, states: “I have found their stom¬ 
achs crammed with young tadpoles and small water-lizards, as well as 
blades of the grasses growing around the bank. Nay, on several occa¬ 
sions, I have found pretty large acorns and beech-nuts in their throats, 
as well as snails, entire or broken, and fragments of the shells of various 
small unios, together with much gravel.” 

I have examined the stomach contents of twenty-one Red-lieads, both 
sexes, which have been killed during the shooting season at Havre-de- 
Grace, Maryland, and found only gravel and vegetable matter, the latter 
consisting mainly of the so-called “ wild celery ” (Vallisneria spiralis). 


Aythya vallisneria (Wils.). 


Canvas-back. 


Description. 


Bill high at base, larger than head, rather narrow and somewhat tapering. 

Male .—Bill blackish ; legs dark-gray ; iris red ; head and upper part of neck dark 
reddish-brown ; feathers on top of head and about bill blackish ; otherwise quite 


* ‘ * This plant, like many others, has a variety of local names. Some of the most common which I 
now call to mind are tape grass, from the tape-like appearance of the long leaves ; channel-weed, as it 
frequently grows in channels where the water hows, not swiftly; eel-grass, this name arises, it is said 
by Dr. Darlington (Flora Cestrica), ‘ from the habit which eels have of hiding under the leaves which 
are usually procumbently floating under the water's surface.* The appellation ‘wild celery’—a local 
term applied, I think, chiefly by gunners and watermen at Havre-de-Grace and vicinity—is, I consider, 
like many vulgar synonyms, a misnomer, as this plant is in no particular related to celery which by 
botanists is known as Apium, ‘ Wild celery, ’ or as it is more generally known in this vicinity (Chester 
county, Pa.), as ‘eel-grass,’ is found in the Brandywine creek growing in slow running water. 

The scientific name of the plant is Vallisneria spiralis (Linn.), the generic name being given in honor 
of Antonio Vallisneri, an Italian botanist; the specific spiralis is applied in consequence of the fact 
that the fertile stalk in its development assumes a spiral form. It is a remarkable dioecious, herbaceous 
plant on account of its mode of fertilization. It grows entirely underwater, has long, radical grass¬ 
like leaves, from one to three feet long and from one-fourth to three-fourths inch wide The female 
flowers float on the surface at the end of long thread-like spiral scapes, which curiously contract and 
lengthen with the rise and fall of the water. The male flowers have very short stems or scapes, from 
which the flowers break off and rise to the surface, to fertilize with their pollen the attached floating 
female flowers. ”— B. M. Everhart's Botanical Publications, November, 1886. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


43 


similar to preceding species. Female has dark reddish-brown eyes ; bill black, and 
with the exception of bill is very similar to female Red-head. Length about 23 
inches ; extent about 33 inches. 

^ Habitat .—Nearly all of North America, breeding from the northwestern states 
northward to Alaska. 

This well-known and highly-esteemed game bird is found as a 
tolerably frequent spring and fall migrant, and occasionally as a winter 
visitor on the Susquehanna river, southward from Harrisburg. In other 
sections of our state it appears to occur only as a rare or casual visitor. 
Audubon, writing of the food of the Canvas-back, says: “It varies ac¬ 
cording to the season and locality. The plant Vallisneria , on which it 
is said to feed when on the headwaters of the Chespeake, is not found 
equally abundant in other parts, and even there is at times so reduced 
in quantity that this duck, and several other species which are equally 
fond of it, are obliged to have recourse to fishes, tadpoles, water-lizards, 
leeches, snails and mollusca, as well as such seeds as they can meet with, 
all of which have been in greater or less quantity found in their 
stomachs.” 

My examinations of four of these ducks, which were killed at Havre- 
de-Grace, showed only vegetable substances, which I judged to be re¬ 
mains of Vallisneria. 

Wilson asserts that the Canvas-backs when feeding on the Vallisneria 
eat only the roots, and, on the other hand, the Red heads feed on the 
stems of this plant. 


Aythya marila nearctica Stejn. 

American Scaup Duck ; Big-Black-head ; Blue-bill. 

Description. 

Bill blue, rather broad and heavy, and about as long as head; tarsi dark lead 
color ; iris yellow ; head, neck fore part of breast black ; sides of head glossed with 
green ; lower part of back, including rump, tail and coverts black and dark- 
brownish (but black predominates) ; speculum, greater portion of under plumage, 
white ; inter-scapulars, scapulars and sides grayish or white, with five irregular 
black and transverse lines; wing coverts brownish. 

Female .—Conspicuous patch of white about base of maxilla; head, neck, sides 
an upper parts generally brown and blackish ; lower part of breast and belly, except 
lower part which is brownish-gray, white. Length about 20 inches ; extent about 33. 

Habitat.— North America, breeding far north. . 

The Big Black-head or Blue-bill, as this species is usually known to 
sportsmen, is a moderately abundant spring and fall migrant, and gen¬ 
erally a few remain with us in winter. This and the Little Black-head, 
and occasionally other species, are often found together in flocks. This 
duck feeds principally on different kinds of aquatic animal life (other 
than fish) and it also, sometimes, eats seeds and the tender parts of 
several kinds of plants which grow in our rivers. 





44 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Aythya affinis (Eyt.). 

Lesser-Scaup Duck ; Little Black-head. 

Description ( Plate 62). 

Very similar to the previously described species, measuring about 16 inches in 
length and about 28 inches in extent; head glossed with purplish-violet. 

Habitat.— North America in general, breeding chiefly north of the United States, 
migrating south to Guatemala and the West Indies. 

The Little Black-head or Little Blue-bill, a common spring’ and fall 
migrant, is found generally throughout the state. At Erie bay it is one 
of the most common ducks, being found there regularly, when migrat¬ 
ing, in large flocks. During mild winters small, scattered flocks of this 
species are frequently met with in this region. Dr. Walter Yan Fleet, 
of Renovo, Pa., informs me that about four years ago he saw a pair of 
these ducks for two consecutive seasons,'during the summer months, 
inhabiting an extensive marshy meadow in Northumberland county, Pa., 
where he believes they bred. In the winter of 1885 I found the Little- 
Blue-bill in immense flocks at Lake George, Florida, where it is known 
as the Raft Duck. 

\ l » ■ 11 

Aythya collaris (Donov.). 

Ring-necked Duck. 

Description. 

Very similar to Black-head; male with narrow brownish ring about middle of 
neck ; speculum gray ; back blackish ; head and neck above ring black, glossed with 
green and purplish violet. Female has brownish head and neck, chin, sides of head 
and ring about eye whitish. Bill in male is black, lighter at base and at end, and in 
female is brownish-black ; tarsi, bluish-gray ; eyes yellow. Length about 18 inches : 
extent about 28 inches. 

Habitat.— North America, breeding far north and migrating south to Guatemala 
and the West Indies. 

The Ring-necked Duck is a regular and reasonably common spring 
and fall migrant in this state. At Erie bay it is often found in company 
with other species, particularly the Little Black-head. The Ring-necked 
Duck feeds largely on seeds of different aquatic plants. 

Genus GLAUCIONETTA Stejneger. 

Glaucionetta clangula americana (Bonap.). 

American Golden-eye; Whistler. 

Description {Plate 59). 

Bill considerably shorter than head, and very high at base; frontal feathers ex¬ 
tend beyond those on sides ; tail of sixteen feathers and rather pointed. 

Male.—Yle&d. and upper part of the short neck glossy-green, and a rounded patch 
of white along base of bill in front of eye (in a young male before me the head is 











BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 45 


blackish, with slight greenish gloss on sides and the white loral patches are mottled 
with dusky) ; bill (dried skin) black ; legs yellowish ; iris orange-yellow ; lower 
neck under plumage generally, and middle and greater wing coverts, sides, inner 
secondaries, some of the scapular and tertial feathers white ; back, primaries inner 
scapulars and tertials black. Female has snuff-brown head, and no white loral 
spots—usually less white on wings. Length about 20 inches; extent about 31 
inches. 

Habitat .—North America, breeding from Maine and the British Provinces north¬ 
ward ; in winter south to Cuba. 

This handsome bird, called, usually by sportsmen, Whistler, from the 
fact that when flying- its wings make a loud whistling sound, is a regu¬ 
lar and rather common spring and fall migrant, and in winter it is often 
seen about our large rivers and on Lake Erie. The Golden-eye, gener¬ 
ally shy and very difficult to approach, is an expert diver, and a par¬ 
ticularly rapid flyer. Feeding as it does, principally, on fish, cray-fish, 
bivalves, etc., its flesh is usually fishy and very unpalatable. 


Genus CHABLTONETTA Stejneger. 
Charitonetta albeola (Linn.). 

Buffle-head. 


Description {Plate 60). 

Bill much shorter than head. Feathers of hind head and upper part of short neck 
long and puffy (especially in male). 

Male .—Broad white patch on side of head back of eyes meeting its fellow behind ; 
rest of head and upper neck dark, with beautiful iridescent purple, green and 
violet hues ; ring around lower part of neck, sides and under plumage (lower part 
of abdomen is grayish) wing coverts, except the lesser and many of the second¬ 
aries, white, and back black ; upper tail coverts grayish-white ; upper surface of 
primaries glossy-black ; lining of wings brownish and white ; bill (dried skin) dull 
blue, legs brownish-yellow ; eyes brown. Length about 15 inches; extent about 24 
inches. Female is smaller than male and feathers of sides and back of head shorter, 
and has head, neck and upper parts generally dark grayish-brown, with slight trace 
of white patches on sides of head, back of, but not reaching to eyes. 

Habitat.— North America ; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico. Breeds from 
Maine northward ; through the fur countries and Alaska. 

This beautiful little duck, commonly called Butter-ball, is frequently 
met with during migrations about our rivers and mill-ponds. The 
species is, however, much more common in autumn than during the 
winter and spring. The Buffle-head, like the Grebe and Loon, will dive 
at the flash of a gun and swim, it is said, under the water with only its 
bill above the surface. Audubon says: “ Their food is much varied, 
according to situation. On the sea-coast, or in estauries, they dive aftei 
shrimps,°small fry and bivalve shells, and in fresh water they feed on 
small cray-fish, leeches and snails, and even grasses.” In the stomachs 
of five of these ducks, which I have examined, were found small shells 
and coleopterous insects. 








46 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus CLANGULA Leach. 

Clangula hyemalis (Linn.). 

Old-squaw ; Long-tailed Duck. 

Description ( Plate 62). 

Bill smaller and much shorter than head ; tail of 14 pointed feathers. 

Male in winter. —Bill black, yellowish towards end ; iris red; legs light lead 
color; head, neck and fore part of back white or whitish ; lores and cheeks gray, 
and a blackish oblong space below ears on sides of neck ; lower part of back, upper 
tail coverts, breast, upper part of belly and four long middle tail feathers, black ; 
posterior part of belly white ; wings brownish. 

Female. —Head, neck and lower parts mainly white; top of head, sides of same 
and chin brownish-black ; throat streaked with dusky ; upper parts blackish-brown, 
darker on lower back. Length of male (depends on development of four central 
tail feathers) about 23 inches. Length of female about 18 inches ; extent about 28 
inches. 

Habitat .—Northern hemisphere ; in North America south to the Potomac and the 
Ohio ; breeds far northward. 

Regular spring and fall migrant on our principal rivers, and at Erie 
bay, but seldom seen about the smaller streams and ponds in the state. 
This species, in winter, is frequently found on the Susquehanna from 
Harrisburg southward. Prof. August Kock says the Old-squaw is a 
very plentiful visitor in April on the Susquehanna river in Lycoming 
county. The flesh of the Long-tailed Duck is quite tough, dark-colored 
and fishy. The stomachs of five of these ducks, shot last winter near 
Harrisburg, contained fish, mussels, beetles and sand. 


Genus SOMATERIA Leach. 
Somateria spectabilis (Ltnn.). 


King Eider. 


Description. 


Bill high at base, shorter than head ; frontal feathers and those of chin extend far 
forward. 

Male in winter .—Bill (dried skin) brownish-yellow, darker toward end ; legs 
brownish ; eyes dark-brown ; head reddish-brown, darkest on top, brightest on sides, 
and faintly spotted with dusky ; throat and most of neck blackish ; jugulum dirty 
yellowish-white with dusky spots; sides mostly dull black ; breast and under parts 
generally grayish-brown; upper parts dark brownish; feathers of fore-back, 
scapulars, wing coverts and about root of tail, edged with rusty and gray. The 
female in winter is very similar to male, as described above, except she has less 
black, especially on neck which is dark reddish-brown, very much same as the sides 
of head of male. 

Habitat .—Northern parts of northern hemisphere ; breeding in the Arctic regions; 
in North America south casually in winter to New Jersey and the Great Lakes. 

Accidental winter visitor at Erie bay, where, on the 30th of November, 
1889, a flock of probably eighteen or twenty individuals made their ap- 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


47 


pearance a few hours after a severe storm, which lasted for two days, 
had visited the region of the Great Lakes. About fourteen of these 
ducks, which the hunters called “ boobies ”—a name that is also given 
by them to the surf ducks which freqently visit the bay—were shot by 
three or four gunners, who had no trouble in approaching within a few 
yards of the stupid ducks which were found swimming close to the 
dock where a large number of men were engaged in unloading iron ore 
from vessels. 

Through the kindness of Mr. James Thompson, of Erie, Mr. Geo. B. 
Bennett and I secured, from gunners, seven of these birds, six immature 
males (all of which varied greatly in plumage) and one female. Two 
hunters, who unfortunately before they knew we were anxious to pre¬ 
serve the ducks for our collections, had cooked three or four which they 
had captured, said the dark-colored flesh was tough, stringy and so rank 
and unsavory that they could not eat it. The oldest hunters assured us 
they had never before seen ducks of this kind in that locality. 

Note. —A duck supposed to be the American Eider ( Somateria 
dresseri) was captured in the winter of 1886, near Chadd’s Ford, Dela¬ 
ware county, but as the bird was not positively identified, I have not 
included it among the birds of our state. 

Genus OIDEMIA Fleming. 

Oidemia americana Sw. & Rich. 

American Scoter ; Booby ; Sea Coot. 

Description. 

Bill high at base and swollen. 

Adult Male. —Bill (dried skin) base of upper mandible reddish-yellow, rest 
blackish ; iris brown ; tarsi blackish ; entire plumage black, the neck and back with 
slight gloss. Female sooty-brown ; throat and sides of head whitish, lower plumage 
is lighter than that of upper parts; belly grayish-white ; bill blackish and smaller 
than that of male. A male measures 19£ inches long and 35 inches from tip to tip; 
female smaller. 

Habitat.— Coasts and larger lakes of northern North America; breeds in Labrador 
and the northern interior; south in winter to New Jersey, the Great Lakes and 
California. 

Rather rare migrant in spring and autumn, and occasional winter 
visitor on Susquehanna and Delaware rivers. At Erie bay this species 
is said to be of very rare occurrence. 


Oidemia deglandi Bonap. 

White-winged Scoter; Booby. 

Description. 

Male. _Bill much swollen and high at base; feathers extend on sides near nos- 

trils ; bill quite broad, black at base and on edges ; rest red ; eyes yellow ; legs red- 





48 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


dish-yellow. General plumage black, a white streak about one inch long runs un¬ 
der and behind eye ; secondaries and tips of greater coverts form a white speculum. 

Female .—Bill blackish and less swollen than in male ; general plumage similar 
to male but paler ; speculum white ; whitish patch on side of head. Length about 
22 inches ; extent about 38 inches ; female smaller. 

Habitat .—Northern North America, breeding in Labrador and the fur countries ; 
south in winter to the Middle States, southern Illinois and southern California. 

Spring and fall migrant and winter visitor on our principal rivers 
and at Erie bay. At the last mentioned locality this species is some¬ 
times seen, particularly in the late fall or early winter, in good-sized 
flocks. On the Susquehanna river it is usually found singly or in pairs. 

Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.). 

Surf Scoter ; Surf Duck ; Booby ; Sea Coot. 

Description. 

Male. —Upper mandible much swollen and frontal feathers extend far forward ; 
maxilla swollen at sides and wider at upper part of base than below ; general color 
black ; a triangular white patch on top of head, beginning at about middle of eyes 
and narrowing as it extends over forehead ; a second white triangular patch, widest 
above on nape and extending down on back of neck ; bill (dried skin) pale-yellowish 
and red, with large rounded black spots on side ; legs red ; iris yellowish. Female 
has a blackish bill which is not swollen at base; general plumage sooty-brown ; 
lower parts grayish ; sides of head whitish, in some individuals a whitish loral patch ; 
forehead and hind neck brownish black. Length of male about 20 inches ; extent 
about 33. 

Habitat .—Coasts and larger inland waters of northern North America ; in winter 
south to the Carolinas, the Ohio river and Lower California. 

Rather rare spring and fall migrant and winter resident. When found 
with us this duck inhabits the same localities as the two previously 
described species. In January, 1890, I purchased from a hunter at Erie, 
one of these Scoters, which he had shot on the bay, where he said a flock 
of about twenty had been seen. 

Genus ERISMATURA Bonaparte. 

Erismatura rubida (Wils.). 

Ruddy Duck ; Spine-tailed Duck. 

Description (Plate 68). 

Bill bent upwards and about as long as head, very broad ; nostrils small and situ¬ 
ated near culmen ; head small; neck thick ; tail consists of eighteen stiff and narrow 
feathers ; the under surface of shafts of tail feathers channelled; tail coverts very 
short. 

Male. —Bill bluish ; legs grayish-blue ; iris reddish-brown ; top of head and nape 
blackish ; upper plumage, greater part of neck rusty-brown, brightest on back ; sides 
of head and chin white ; lower parts whitish, breast sometimes very rusty. 

Female and young male. —Top of head and upper parts generally brownish, dotted 
with grayish and reddish-brown ; sides of head grayish-white and rusty lower parts 
grayish-white. A small duck about 15 inches long and 22 inches in extent. 

Habitat.— North America in general, south to Cuba, Guatemala and northern 
South America, breeding throughout most of its North American range. 


I 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


49 


Winter resident found generally throughout the state. Arrives in 
October and remains until late in April; in summer, occasionally, strag¬ 
glers of this species are observed at Erie bay, but I am not aware that 
they ever breed there or in any other part of Pennsylvania. Although 
the Spine-tailed Ducks are found here in winter, they are much more 
numerous during the spring and fall migrations than in winter. The 
Ruddy Duck varies greatly in its plumage, but can easily be recognized 
by its long stiff tail which, when swimming, is carried high up. Like 
the Grebe, this duck is an expert diver. Its food consists chiefly of 
vegetable substances—seeds, roots and stems of grasses and other aquatic 
plants. 

Subfamily ANSERINE. Geese. 

THE GEESE. 

But one representative of this subfamily—the common Wild Goose ( B . canaden¬ 
sis )—is found as a regular and common migrant in our state. 


Genus CHEN Boie. 

Chen ceerulescens (Linn.). 

Blue Snow Goose. 

Description. 

“ Bill and feet flesh-pink, former with the recess between the mandibles black, 
the nails whitish ; iris dark brown ; claws dusky. Head and neck above white, the 
neck below, passing on to the back and breast, dusky-gray, then fading into whitish 
on the under parts, changing on the wings into fine bluish-gray, or silvery ash; 
rump and upper tail coverts whitish ; quills and tail feathers dusky, edged with 
whitish, primaries black. Size of the Snow Goose ( Chen hyperborea nivalis ), or 
rather less, and closely resembling the young of that species. Length about 25 i 
wing 16 ; bill 2.25 ; tarsus 3. 

Habitat .—North America at large” (but chiefly in the interior).— Coue's Key to 
N. A. Birds. 

The Blue Snow Goose, called also the Blue Goose, is placed in the 
“ Hypothetical List ” of the A. O. U. Check List, but Prof. Robert Ridg- 
way (. Manual of N. A. Birds) states that it is beyond question a good 
species. I have never seen the Blue Goose in Pennsylvania, but give it 
a place in this report on the authority of Dr. T. Z. Hazzard, residing at 
Allegheny City, Pa., who writes me that he saw one which was shot on 
the Ohio river, near Pittsburgh, in the fall of 1887. This bird was seen 
in company with other wild fowl. The Doctor further adds it is very 
rare here even as a migrant. 

Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forst.). 

Greater Snow Goose. 

Description. 

“ Bill carmine-red or pale purplish with a salmon tinge, the nails white, the recess 
between mandibles black. Eyes dark brown. Feet dull lake-red, the claws black- 

4 Birds. 



50 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


ish. Adult plumage pure white, the head usually washed with rusty-brown, like a 
swan’s, the ends of the primaries blackening. Young resembling the last, but the 
head not white, while other parts are colored. Large: length, 27.00—31.00; extent, 
57.00—62.00 ; * * * weight 5 or 6 pounds.”— Coue's Key N. A. B. 

Habitat .—North America, breeding far north, and migrating south in winter, 
chiefly along the Atlantic coast, reaching Cuba. 

Rare and irregular visitor in the early spring, late fall, and in winter. 
Specimens have been taken in Pennsylvania by Dr. John W. Detwilier 
of Bethlehem, Pa., and Prof. H. Justin Roddy of Millersville, Pa. 

Genus BRANTA Scopoli. 


Branta canadensis (Linn.). 

Canada Goose. 


Description (Plate 64 ). 


“ Tail of eighteen feathers ; head, neck, bill and feet, deep-black ; a large triangular i 
patch of white on the cheeks behind the eye ; the two of opposite sides broadly con¬ 
fluent beneath, but not extending to the rami of lower jaw ; a few whitish feathers i 
on lower eyelid ; upper parts brown, edged with paler; under parts light, with a 
tinge of purple-gray, sometimes a shade of smoky brown ; the edges of the feathers 
paler ; the color of the body of the feathers, though similar, becoming deeper on the 
sides, tibia, axillars, and inside of wings ; the gray of the belly passes gradually into 


white on the anal region and under coverts ; the upper tail coverts are pure-white ; 
the primary quills and rump are very dark blackish-brown ; the tail feathers are 
black ; iris brown. 

“Length, 35 inches; wing, 18; tarsus, 3.10; commissure, 2.10 inches.”— Baird*s 
Birds of N. A. 

Habitat .—Temperate North America, breeding in the northern United States and 
British Provinces ; south in winter to Mexico. 




This well-known bird, usually called Wild Goose, is a common spring 
and fall migrant in Pennsylvania. 

In referring to this species, Wilson says : “ The flight of the Wild 

Geese is heavy and laborious, generally in a straight line, or in two 
lines, approximating to a point thus, > : In both cases the van is led 
by an old gander, who, every now and then, pipes his well known honk , 
as if to ask how they come on ; and the honk ot ‘ A1 1 ’s well 5 is generally 
returned by some of the party. Their course is in a straight line, with 
the exception of the undulations of their flight. IVhen bewildered in 
f^§toy weather,, they appear sometimes to be in great distress, flying 
about in an irregular manner, and for a considerable time over the same 
quarter, making a great clamor. On these occasions, should they ap¬ 
proach the earth and alight—which they sometimes do to rest and rec¬ 
ollect themselves—the only hospitality they meet with is death and de¬ 
struction from a whole neighborhood already in arms for their ruin.” 

The food of this species consists chiefly of vegetable materials, such 
as cereals, the seeds, roots and other portions of plants. 











BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


51 


Branta bernicla (Linn.). 


Brant. 


Description. 


Bill rather small and short. Bill and legs black ; iris brown. Head, neck, body 
in front of wings, primaries and tail black ; a small white patch on each side of neck 
streaked with black ; few white feathers on chin and about lower eyelids; back 
brownish-gray, lower parts quite similar but lighter ; rump darker than upper part 
of back ; feathers about tail mostly white. Length about 23 inches ; extent about 46 
inches. 

Habitat .—Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere ; in North America chiefly 
on the Atlantic coast; rare in the interior, or away from salt water. 

The Brant, or Brant Goose, as this species is usually called by sports¬ 
men, is found in Pennsylvania only as a very rare and irregular visitor, 
about our large rivers. In January, 1890,1 purchased one of these birds 
from a gunner who had shot it on the Susquehanna river near Harris¬ 
burg, Pa. Mr. D. Frank Keller of Beading, Pa., lias a specimen which 
was captured in Berks county ; and Dr. G. A. Scroggs, of Beaver, Pa., 
informs me Brant geese are occasionally found on the Ohio river, in 
Beaver county. The Brant feeds almost exclusively on a vegetable diet. 


Subfamily CYGNINjE. Swans. 
Genus OLOB, Wagler. 


Olor columbianus (Ord.). 


Whistling Swan. 


Description. 


Neck longer than body. Length about \\ feet; extent about 7 feet; bill has 
yellowish spot in front of eye, rest of bill, also legs and feet black; eyes brown. 
Plumage of adult is pure white, with the head, neck and belly in some individuals 
tinged with rusty. The young are said to be a light lead color, with head and neck 
tinged with yellowish-brown ; and the color of legs, bill and feet is described as 
being much paler. 

Habitat .—Whole of North America, breeding far north. 


Spring and fall migrant, also occasional winter visitant. This species 
is more frequently seen on Lake Erie and about our principal rivers 
than elsewhere, though it occurs generally throughout the state. The 
following interesting account * of an unusual flight of these swans, is 
from the pen of my friend, Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, of Erie city, Pa.: 

“ An unusual flight of swans occurred in northwestern Pennsylvania 
on the 22d of last March (1879). Crawford, Mercer, Venango and 
Warren comities being the places where they were seen. On the day 
mentioned, as well as the previous day and night, a severe storm pre¬ 
vailed, the rain and snow freezing as they fell. The swans, on their 
migration north, were caught in the storm, and becoming overweighted 


* Bulletin Nutt. Club, Vol. V, pp. 125, 126 







5 2 


RZFF£ OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


with ice soon grew so exhausted that they settled into the nearest ponds 
and streams almost helpless. Generally a single one was seen in some 
mill-pond or creek, and the fowling-piece loaded with large shot, and 
not unfrequently the rifle, was used to bring to bag the noble game, 
though, considering the plight they were in, in all probability any one 
might have paddled up to the birds and taken them alive. In fact in a 
number of instances they were reported as thus taken alive. Large 
flocks were seen in some districts in the same pitiable condition. In 
close vicinity of Meadville only two, I believe, were taken. Titusville 
and Oil City and the intervening eighteen miles up Oil creek and its 
branches seem to have been the points where they were seen in greatest 
number. A published report from the former place states that ‘ ten or 
twelve White Swans were captured alive ’ near East Titusville. The 
report from the Rouseville (three miles above Oil City, on Cherry run) 
correspondent of the Oil City Derrick states : ‘ A flock of from thirty- 
three to thirty-five American or Whistling Swans surprised the inhabi¬ 
tants of Plumer on Saturday forenoon by alighting in the waters of 
Cherry run. One of the swans was almost immediately shot at and 
killed, and, to the surprise of the now large crowd of men and boys, the 
remainder of the flock, on account of the ice accumulating on their 
wings, was unable to fly, and a general rush was then made for the 
poor birds, and twenty-five were captured alive by the eager fellows. 
Some have them yet alive, but many were killed for their feathers and 
flesh. The remaining eight or ten birds finally managed with great 
difficulty to arise. One, however, soon alighting in the midst of Rouseville 
village in Cherry run, was soon killed by Dave Phillips, the balance flying 
a little further, alighting in Oil creek. A general stampede of men and 
boys now took place, the greater part armed with some weapon of war¬ 
fare ; but Charley Clark, a noted sportsman and accurate shot, led the 
van, and was successful in laying over two of the splendid birds, and 
badly wounding a third, at the first shot. He afterward shot the third 
and fourth, and the vociferous crowd returned to town, four men bearing 
the burdens of the victor’s spoils. The larger of the birds shot by Clark 
was a magnificent creature, measuring fifty-one inches from tip of bill 
to tail, and eighty-six inches in extent, and weighing over sixteen 
pounds; it is said that the one shot by Phillips was larger, weighing 
twenty pounds.” 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


53 


ORDER HERODIONES. HERONS, IBISES, ETC. 
Suborder Cl COX LE. Storks, Etc. 

Family CICONIID.®. Wood Ibises, Etc. 
Subfamily TANTALINAl Wood Ibises. 
Genus TANTALUS Linnaeus. 
Tantalus loculator Linn. 


Wood Ibis. 


Description. 


Size large, with long legs, neck and beak, the latter measuring in specimen before 
me inches ; bill high and wide at base, tapering to the end which curves down¬ 
ward ; tibiae bare for more than half their length. Sexes alike in plumage. 

Male .—Bill (dried skin) both mandibles about base blackish ; most of lower man¬ 
dible, sides of maxilla in front of nostrils and culmen, of brownish-yellow ; lightest 
on upper surface ; bare skin of head and upper part of neck dull bluish-black, 
thickly covered, especially on nape and back of neck, with grayish-brown scales; 
tail and long wing feathers black, with green, purplish and bronze reflections. 
Rest of plumage pure white; legs (dried skin) brownish-black ; toes yellowish; 
iris dark-brown. Length about 4 feet; extent about 5£ feet. Weight 9 to 12 pounds. 

Habitat.- -Southern United States, from the Ohio Valley, Colorado, Utah, Califor¬ 
nia, etc., south to Buenos Ayres ; casually northward to Pennsylvania and New York. 

The Wood Ibis, a common resident in the southern states, occurs in 
Pennsylvania as a very rare and irregular visitor. The late Judge Lib- 
bart, in his ornithological report of Lancaster county, says: “ I ob¬ 

tained a fine specimen of this species, shot from a troop of ten by Mr. 
M. Ely on the Susquehanna, July, 1862.” 

Mr. C. J. Pennock, in his catalogue of Chester county birds, writes 
that a Wood Ibis was taken a number of years ago by the late Vincent 
Barnard. Prof. August Kock, of Williamsport, has one in his collection 
which was captured a few years ago in Lycoming county, and Dr. 
Walter Van Fleet, of Renovo, includes it among the stragglers in his 
list of species found in Clinton county. Dr. A. C. Treichler, Elizabeth¬ 
town, has specimens of this bird in his collection which were shot in 
Lancaster county in the early part of July, 1883, shortly after severe 
storms. Mr. Geo. P. Friant, of Scranton, informs me that a small flock 
of Wood Ibises, about four or five years ago, were seen in his neighbor¬ 
hood. 

In Florida, where these birds were very common in 1885,1 found they 
fed chiefly on fish, frogs and snakes. 

Note. —Dr. Turnbull ( Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania) writing of the 
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis autumnalis)— family Ibididce , says: “ Last season 
(1866) Mr. John Krider shot a specimen just below Philadelphia. At 
long intervals it has been seen on the river Delaware.” I have in my 







54 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


possession a specimen of the White Ibis {Guara alba) family Ibididcv , 
which is said to have been captured in Pennsylvania about thirty years 
ago. In the museum at Lancaster city, there is a specimen of the 
Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaja ajaja )— family Plataleidce, which it is stated 
was captured over twenty-five years ago in Lancaster county. As none 
of these three species have, so far as I can learn, been observed in Penn¬ 
sylvania during the past quarter of a century, I do not consider that 
any of them are entitled to a place in this report. 


Suborder HERODII. Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, Etc. 
Family ARDEUX®. Herons, Bitterns, Egrets. 

THE HERONS, ETC. 

Birds ol this family—containing, it is said, about seventy-five species—are very 
generally dispersed throughout all parts of the globe. A few species wander to cold 
countries, but the great majority of these waders inhabit the lower temperate and 
tropical regions. In different localities throughout the United States, about fifteen 
species and varieties (local or geographical races) are recorded by modern writers ; 
of these nine species have been taken, during recent years, in Pennsylvania. Some 
species occur with us as regular summer residents, while others are observed here 
only as transitory visitors in the spring and fall migrations. These birds frequent 
muddy banks of rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds; they are also found about swampy 
meadows and marshy places, particularly if the latter are well supplied with pools 
of shallow water, protected by trees or bushes. They often remain quiet or inactive 
in daytime, but as evening approaches, or in the night, they go out, like the owls, 
in quest of food, which is secured by rapid, dexterous thrusts of their long, spear¬ 
like bills. Birds of this group subsist chiefly on various kinds of fishes (fish meas¬ 
uring nearly a foot in length are often swallowed by large herons), frogs and snakes; 
and they also eat other kinds of animal food, such as large insects, field-mice, lizards, 
cray-fish, leeches, etc., and some of the larger herons occasionally catch wood-rats, 
and young birds of other species which breed about their favorite feeding resorts. 
With the exception of the Bitterns, these birds are gregarious, particularly when 
breeding, and in the southern states where herons and egrets are abundant, they 
often breed together in great numbers, frequently in company with cormorants, 
water turkeys and ibises. The herons and egrets build rude and bulky nests of 
sticks and twigs, in trees or bushes ; the bluish or greenish colored and unspotted 
eggs vary from two to six in number. The sharp, rasping cries of these birds, are 
often uttered when feeding, also if they are frightened, and frequently when flying, 
either when migrating or when going to and from their feeding places. Birds of 
this family are known by the following characters : Long neck and legs ; bill long, 
straight, tapering, acute and furnished with sharp cutting edges. Lores naked and 
usually, particularly in the breeding season, bright colored ; the head is rather long, 
narrow and flat on the sides. When breeding these birds frequently have back of 
head, the lower neck, back or scapulars, beautifully ornamented with long plumes. 
Herons and egrets have three pairs of powder-down tracts, one on lower part of back, 
the second on lower belly, and a third on breast. Bitterns have two pairs of these 
tracts, one on lower back, the other on breast; toes long and slender ; the claws are 
long and curved, especially that of hind toe, and the middle claw has a fine comb 
on inner edge. The hind toe is inserted on a level with three in front; outer toes 
usually connected with middle by a small web at base, others free. Tail very short, 
twelve feathers, except in bitterns, which have only ten. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Subfamily BOTAURINiE. Bitterns. 

Genus BOTAURUS Hermann. 

Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.). 

American Bittern ; Indian Hen. 

Description ( Plates ). 

Adult. —Bill yellowish, dusky on ridge, lores greenish yellow ; legs and feet yel¬ 
lowish-green ; iris yellow. Length, about 26 inches; extent, about 45 inches. Gen¬ 
eral color brownish-yellow, top of head dull brown, upper parts finely freckled and 
variegated with different shades of brown, blackish and whitish ; chin and throat 
white with brown streak ; a broad and glossy-black stripe about three inches long 
on upper part of neck. 

Habitat. —Temperate North America, south to Guatemala and the West Indies. 

The Bittern or “ Green-legged Crane,” as this wader is called by many 
sportsmen, is readily distinguished from other birds of the family by its 
brownish-yellow plumage, greenish-colored legs, and large size. It is a 
summer resident in Pennsylvania, where it arrives generally early in 
April and remains until about the first week in November. Although 
these birds breed, occasionally at least, in different parts of the state, 
they are much more frequently met with (singly or in pairs) when mi¬ 
grating in the spring and fall, than in summer. In this locality these 
birds are never found in flocks; commonly only solitary individuals are 
seen frequenting chiefly the thick swampy districts about meadows and 
rivers. During the daylight Bitterns conceal themselves in the long 
grasses, weeds, bushes, etc., growing about swamps. They migrate and 
feed during the night. 

Mr. George B. Sennett, Erie, Pa., says, he is quite certain this species 
breeds occasionally on the peninsula, near Erie city; also at Conneaut 
Lake, Lake Pleasant and Oil Creek Lake, in Crawford county. Mr. W. 
H. Buffer, residing at Marietta, Lancaster county, Pa., in a letter dated 
July 29, 1889, addressed to me, writes as follows : “I am inclined to 
believe that the American Bittern breeds in the vicinity of Schock’s 
Miffs, a few miles west of Marietta. While I have never found its nest 
or seen its young, yet I have so frequently seen the bird in that vicinity 
during the summer that I think it probable that it breeds in the swamps 
there.” Dr. George R. Ross, of Lebanon, Pa., states that it breeds in 
Lebanon county. In Perry county, Mr. H. Justin Roddy, Millersville, 
Pa., has observed it as a “ rare breeder.” Mr. J. F. Kocher, of South 
Whitehall, Pa., says the Bittern is occasionally found breeding in Le¬ 
high county, and Dr. Walter Yan Fleet of Renovo, Pa., mentions it as 
breeding occasionally and sparingly in Clinton county. 

The nest of this bird is placed on the ground; the eggs, three to five 
in number—three is said to be the usual number—are described as 
brownish-drab, unspotted, measuring about 2 inches long by about lj 
inches broad. 





56 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


According- to Dr. Coues, “ the food of this bird consists of various 
kinds of small aquatic animals. In its stomach may be found different 
molluscs, craw-fish, frogs, lizards, small snakes and fishes, as well as 
insects. Such prey is captured with great address, by spearing, as the 
bird walks or wades stealthily along. The thrust of the bill is marvel¬ 
ously quick and skilful—more action is displayed on such occasions 
than probably under any other circumstance.”-— Birds of the Northwest. 

Although Bitterns frequently devour fish, I believe they prefer other 
kinds of animal food, especially snakes, frogs and insects. 

The food materials of nine of these birds, which I have examined, are 
given in the following table : 


No. 

Date. 

Locality, 

Food-Materials. 

1 

April 11. 1880, . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and scales of fish. 

2 

April 23, 1880, . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Water-snake. 

8 

April 29, 1881, . . . 

Delaware county. Pa., . . 

Cray-fish and frogs. 

4 

Sept. —. 1881. . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Beetles and frogs. 

5 

April —, 1882, . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Two snakes, each about eighteen inches in length. 

« 

April -. 1882. . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Snake and snails. 

7 

Oct. 3. 1883, . . . 

Philadelphia Market, Pa.. 

Grasshoppers and beetles. 

8 

April — . 1885. . . . 

Orange county, Fla. 

Numerous insects. 

9 

April -, 1885, . . . 

Orange county, Fla., . . . 

Cray-fish and remains of fishes. 


Botaurus exilis (Gmel.). 


Least Bittern. 


Description. 


“ Head above and the back dark glossy-green ; upper part of neck, shoulders, 
greater coverts, and outer webs of some tertials, purplish-cinnamon ; a brownish- 
yellow scapular stripe (broadest in female). 

Female with the green of head and back replaced by purplish-chestnut. Iris 
yellow. 

Length, 13 inches; extent, about 17; wing, 4.75; tarsus, 1.60; bill above, 1.75.”— 
Bairds' B. of N. A. 

Habitat .—Temperate North America, from British Provinces to the West Indies 
and Brazil. 

The Least Bittern, the smallest of the herons, I have found in this 
state only as a rather rkre visitant during the spring and fall migrations. 
This species is sometimes, though rarely, observed in Pennsylvania 
during the breeding season. When alarmed they fly generally but a few 
yards and take shelter among the reeds or long grass. Least Bitterns 
are scarcely ever seen exposed, but skulk during the day, and, like the 
preceding species, feed chiefly in the night. 

Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, of Erie, has taken specimens in Crawford and 
Erie counties, where it is said the species breeds occasionally. Dr. John 
W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, Pa., has found the Least and also the 
American Bitterns breeding here. From personal observation I know 
nothing concerning the nest or eggs of this species. The following in¬ 
teresting remarks relating to nest and eggs of this bird are taken from 
Oliver Davie’s valuable work ( Nests and Eggs of North American 


















BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


57 


Birds ): “In some places as many as a dozen or twenty pairs breed 
along* the grassy shores of a small lake or pond. Like the last, it in¬ 
habits reedy swamps and marshes where the quagmire abounds with a 
luxuriant growth of rushes, which is also the home of the rails. The 
nest is placed on the ground or in the midst of the rankest grass, or in 
a bush. It is often placed on floating bog, and is simply a platform of 
dead rushes. The bird has many odd habits. When standing on the 
edge of a stream, with its neck drawn in, it is often taken for a wood¬ 
cock, the long bill giving it this appearance. It appears so stupid at 
times that it may be caught with the hand. The bird is mostly seen 
just before or after sunset. In many of the southern states this species 
rears two broods in a season, fresh eggs having been obtained in May 
and August. In Texas, Mr. Rachford says, it nests along the edges of 
the water courses in May, bending down the tops of water grass and 
platting it into a snug little nest, about two or three feet above the 
water. * * * * The eggs of the Least Bittern are from three to 

five, usually four, in number, pale bluish or greenish-white, elliptical in 
shape. The average size is 1.20 by .93.” 

According to Nuttall, this species subsists chiefly on small fish and 
aquatic insects. Audubon states that “ the food of this bird consists of 
snails, slugs, tadpoles, or young frogs and water-lizards. In several 
instances, however, I have found small shrews and field-mice in their 
stomachs.” The food materials of six of these birds examined by me 
are given, with date of collection, and locality where taken, in the fol¬ 
lowing table: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. . 

Food-Materials. 

1 

April 29. 1879. 

Lancaster county. Pa. 

Hair of small mammal. 

2 

Sept. —. 1880. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Beetles. 

3 

Sept. —. 1880. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Insects and remains of fish. 

4 

Sept. 20. 1881. 

Philadelphia Market, Pa. 

Portion of a small snake and insects. 

5 

Aug. 25, 1883. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Beetles and “worms.” 

6 

May 20, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Vegetable-matter. 


Subfamily ARDEINAE Herons and Egrets. 

Genus ARDEA Linnaeus. 

Ardea herodias Linn. 

Great Blue Heron ; “Big Crane.” 

Description {Plate 69). 

Adult .—Bill about six inches long, chiefly yellow, dusky on culmen ; eyes yellow; 
legs and feet blackish, yellowish about toes ; lores greenish-yellow or bluish. The 
color of bill, legs and lores vary greatly not only with age and season but also with 
individuals. The male, larger than female, is about 4 feet long and about six feet 
from tip to tip. Forehead and central portion of crown white, surrounded on sides 
and behind with black ; long occipital feathers black ; neck chiefly brownish-gray : 
feathers on middle (in front) of lower two-thirds of neck, with a showy streak of 


























58 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


black, white and rusty ; chin and upper part of neck in front white. Tibiae and edge 
of wing reddish-brown ; upper parts and tail light bluish-slate color ; long scapular 
feathers and long loose feathers on lower neck ; crissum white ; under parts chiefly 
black, streaked with white. The young are different in many respects from the 
above, but can always be known by their large size and a general resemblance to 
the adult. 

Habitat .—North America, from the Arctic regions southward to the West Indies 
and northern South America. 

This bird, the largest of our herons, is a summer resident in various 
localities in this state. During the last few years, however, several 
favorite breeding resorts in eastern Pennsylvania, which were annually 
visited by this and other species, have been broken up by boys and men 
who destroyed the birds, old and young, simply because their feathers 
would bring a few dollars, and, as they remarked, “ there's no law to 
stop it." 

I have no doubt that the time will soon come when this beautiful 
heron will be known in this commonwealth only as a rare straggling 
visitant. The nest is made of large sticks and twigs, and placed on the 
larger limbs of trees, generally near the water. The eggs vary in num¬ 
ber from three to five, are light-blue in color, and about the size of those 
of our common domestic fowl. This bird, and the same is true of other 
herons, when wounded and unable to escape, is one which cannot be 
handled with too much caution, as it frequently, with its sharp and 
powerful bill, inflicts severe, dangerous, and, it is said, sometimes fatal 
wounds. In Florida I met a hunter who had an eye destroyed by one 
of these birds which he had winged and carelessly attempted to pick up. 
By some, particularly residents of certain of the southern states, the 
flesh of the Great Blue Heron is considered quite a delicious morsel. 
Some few winters ago, when camping in the cypress swamps of Florida, 
I, more from necessity than choice, eat the breast meat of this heron 
and also that of the Water Turkey {Anhinga anhinga), a bird which 
preys exclusively on fish, and although I did not especially relish the 
dish, I must admit that to a hungry man it was in no way disagreeable. 

The following interesting observations on the food-habits are given by 
Nuttall: “ Fish is the principal food of the Great Heron, and for this 

purpose, like an experienced angler, he often waits for that condition of 
the tide which best suits his experience and instinct. At such times 
they are seen slowly sailing out from their inland breeding haunts, dur¬ 
ing the most silent and cool period of the summer’s day, selecting 
usually such shallow inlets as the ebbing tide leaves bare or accessible 
to his watchful and patient mode of prowling; here wading to the knees 
he stands motionless amidst the timorous fry, till some victim coming 
within the compass of his wily range is as instantly seized by the pow¬ 
erful bill of the heron. * * * If large the fish is beaten to 

death, and commonly swallowed with the head descending, as if to avoid 
any obstacle arising from the reversion of the fins or any hard external 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


59 


processes. On land our lieron has also his fare, as he is no less a suc¬ 
cessful angler than a mouser, and renders an important service to the 
farmer in the destruction he makes among most of the reptiles and 
meadow shrews. Grasshoppers, other large insects, and particularly 
dragon-flies, he is very expert in striking, and occasionally feeds upon 
the seeds of pond lilies, contiguous to his usual haunts. Our species, 
in all probability, as well as the European Heron, at times preys upon 
the young birds which may be accidentally straggling near their soli¬ 
tary retreats.” 

In the months of March and April, 1885, I examined the stomachs of 
twenty-three of these birds which had been killed by plume-hunters in 
Orange and Volusia counties, Florida. Twelve birds had fed entirely 
on fish; three had taken fish and cray-fish; two, small snakes; one, 
frogs and fish; one, fish and a few feathers; one, traces of v beetles, 
Three birds were destitute of all food materials. 

From my investigations made in Florida, as well as the records in 
the following table, I would say this heron is mainly piscivorous in 
habit: 


No. 

DATE. 

Locality. 

Food-Matekials. 

1 

June 3, 1879. . .. 

Brigantine. N. J. 

Remains of fish. 

2 

Aug. 23. 1879. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

3 

June 7. 1880. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

4 

June 12. 1680. 

Berks county, Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

5 

May 15. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

0 

Sept. —, 1882. 

Brigantine, N. J. 

Remains of fish. 

7 

Oct. 24, 1883. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

8 

April 20, 1884. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

9 

Aug. —, 1884. 

Willistown. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

10 

Aug. —, 1884,. 

Willistown, Pa... 

Remains of fish. 


Ardea egretta Gmel. 

American Egret; Large White Crane. 

Description. 

The plumage of this bird is entirely white ; in the breeding season the adults have 
the backs ornamented with long hair-like plumes, frequently so long that they 
touch the ground when the bird stands erect; legs and feet black ; eyes bright yel¬ 
low ; bill yellow, and about five inches long ; point of upper mandible black ; meas¬ 
ures, from tip to tip of wings, about five feet. 

Habitat .—Temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey, Minnesota and 
Oregon south to Patagonia; casually on the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia. 

This beautiful bird, now chiefly found in the southern states, where 
it is rapidly being exterminated by the heartless and money-loving 
plume-hunters, is a rather rare and irregular migrant in Pennsylvania. 
It occurs in this state, generally, only in the late summer and autumn, 
when straggling individuals are seen in suitable locations, in almost 
every quarter of the commonwealth. In former years, this species is 
said to have reared its young in Pennsylvania. The stomach contents 
of thirteen of these egrets, which I have examined, are here given * 

































60 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

1 

August, 1879. 

Lancaster county, Pa. 

2 

3 

4 

July, 1881. 

Tuly 1884 

Chester county. Pa. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

April, 1885. 

Orange county, Fla. 

5 

April, 1885*. 

Orange county, Fla. 

<; 

April, 1885,. 

April, 1885. 

Orange county, Fla., . 

7 

Orange county, Fla., ..... 

8 

April, 1885,. 

Orange county, Fla. 

9 

April, 1885. 

Orange county. Fla., . 

10 

April. 1885. 

Orange county. Fla. 

11 

April, 1885. 

Orange county, Fla. 

12 

May, 1885. 

Volusia county, Fla... 

13 

May, 1885. 

Volusia county, Fla. 


Food-Materials. 


Fishes and insects. 

Field-mouse and cray-fish. 

Fishes and frogs ( Rana). 
Cray-fish. 

Fish-scales and bones. 

Fishes. 

Insects. 

Feathers, apparently of a sparrow ( 
Cray-fish and small snake. 

Fish -scales and bones. 

Cray-fish and fish-scales. 

Stomach empty. 

Beetles and dipterous insects. 


?) 


Ardea candidissima Gmel. 

Snowy Heron ; Little White Egret, 

Description. 

Adults in the breeding season have long fine hair-like occipital feathers ; the long 
plumes on back are frequently curved upward at ends, which reach to or a little 
beyond the ends of tail; plumes on lower neck similar but not curved. Plumage 
in both sexes, and at all ages, entirely white ; bill black, yellow at base ; lores, eyes 
and posterior part of tarsus, yellow, rest of legs black ; length about 24 inches ; ex¬ 
tent about 38 inches. In young birds the occipital feathers are slightly developed, 
and they also lack the long plumes of back, and juguliim. Old birds when notin 
breeding dress, have generally at all seasons, the occipital crests well developed, 
but lack the hair-like plumes on back and lower neck. 

Habitat .—Temperate and tropical America, from Long Island and Oregon south 
to Buenos Ayres ; casual on the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia. 

This beautiful heron is most plentiful in the southern states, where 
it breeds in company with other species. Solitary individuals are 
sometimes found in this locality during the late summer or early 
autumn. This egret is much less frequently met with in Pennsylvania 
than the last. In the counties of Crawford and Erie, Messrs. Geo. B. 
Sennett, of Erie city, and H. C. Kirkpatrick, of Meadville, have found 
the Snowy Heron only as a very rare and irregular visitor. Prof. H. 
Justin Roddy, writing to me July 29, 1887, from Landisburg, Perry 
county, says, “ July 27th I secured here a very fine specimen of the 
American Egret (A. egretta ); the first I have ever seen in this county. 
I have a number of times seen the Snowy Heron (A. candidissima) in 
this locality.” Occasional stragglers of this species have been met with 
in Lehigh and Northampton counties, by Dr. John W. Detwiller, of 
Bethlehem. Mr. J. F. Kocher, of South Whitehall, Lehigh county ; Dr. 
Geo. R. Ross, of Lebanon, Lebanon county; Dr. Walter Yan Fleet, 
Renovo, Clinton county; Jonas Stern, Kutztown; D. Frank Keller, 
Reading, Berks county; George Miller and Casper Loucks, York, York 
county; Dr. A. C. Treichler, Lancaster county; M. J. Webster, Madi¬ 
son ville, Lackawanna county, and Dr. I. F. Everhart, of Scranton, Lacka¬ 
wanna county, all report this heron in their respective counties as a 
rare and irregular straggler. 

Nuttall says: “ Its food, as usual, consists of small crabs, worms, 










































1 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 61 

snails, frogs and lizards, to which fare it also adds at times the seeds of 
the pond lilies and other aquatic plants.” In April, 1885, I visited an 
island in a small lake in Orange county, Florida, where this species, also 
the Louisiana, Little Blue, and Green Herons, were breeding on low 
bushes. I shot seven Snowy Herons, and found in the viscera of all 
only the remains of fish. 


Ardea tricolor ruficollis (Gosse.). 

Louisiana Heron. 

Description. 

Adult in breeding season .—Bill four inches or a little more in length, and very 
slender. Bill (dried skin) bluish-black, and yellowish about base ; lores and naked 
skin around eyes yellowish ; eyes reddish-yellow ; legs dusky bluish-yellow. The 
three or four longer occipital plumes, lower part of back, rump, sides, under parts 
generally, edge of wing, axillars, lining of wings, chin and upper part of throat, 
white ; front and top of head, sides of same, malar region, and most of feathers on 
sides of long neck, bluish-slate color; upper tail coverts white and bluish; greater 
part of crest, lower portion and back of nock reddish-purple. Long fine scapular 
plumes, light brownish gray, quite pale at ends; the white throat is continuous with 
a reddish-brown streak (brightest on upper third of neck) which narrows and be¬ 
comes less distinct, as it extends down in front. The young are never white as in 
Ardea ccerulea : they lack the long occipital plumes, also the fine scapular feathers ; 
the head and neck light brownish-red ; chin, throat and malar region white ; neck 
in front streaked with white and brownish. Length about 27 inches; extent about 
36 inches. 

Habitat .—Gulf states, Mexico, Central America and West Indies, casually north¬ 
ward to New Jersey and Indiana. 

The Louisiana Heron, more or less abundant in many of the south 
Atlantic and gulf states, I have never seen in Pennsylvania, where it 
has been observed only as a rare or accidental visitor in the late summer 
or autumn. 

Stragglers have been seen, at irregular intervals, by the following 
named gentlemen in their respective localities: Dr. John W. Detwiller, 
Bethlehem,Northampton county; D.Frank Keller, Beading, Berks county, 
and Dr. W. Van Fleet, Benovo, Clinton county. This handsome bird, and 
one which is particularly graceful in its movements, I found breeding in 
company with other species on low bushes in Florida, in March and 
April, 1885. Their rather flat nests were made entirely of small sticks. 
The bluish-green eggs, three to five in number, measure about 1.75 inches 
long and a little more than 1.25 inches broad. The viscera of eleven of 
these birds, which were killed at this nesting place, contained fish, frogs 
and snails. 








62 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Ardea coerulea Linn. 

Little Blue Heron ; Little White Heron. 

Description.* 

Bill about three inches long, and quite slender. 

Adult ( blue phase), breeding plumage. —Bill and lores bluish, former black to¬ 
wards end ; the long, narrow and pointed dorsal plumes extend sometimes several 
inches beyond the tail ; legs and feet black ; eyes yellow ; head and neck “purplisn- 
red or maroon colored,” top of head and fine hair-like crest, bluish with purplish 
reflections ; lower part of neck and rest of plumage slate-blue (quite light in some 
birds and dark in others) ; some specimens have sooty-black streaks or patches on 
back and most of belly. In fifteen of these herons I find ten have a blue streak 
more or less complete extending down front of neck ; one has throat bluish and 
white ; theother four have necks without these streaks, and as previously described 

Adult ( blue and white or intermediate phase). —Four birds show about the fol¬ 
lowing coloration: Top of head, most of occipital crest, patches on the sides and back 
of neck, most of the forepart of back (usually rather continuous on back), tips of 
primaries, some of long neck plumes, also a few of the long dorsal plumes, different 
shades of bluish ; remainder of plumage white ; bill chiefly bluish black (one has 
yellowish streak on maxilla) ; bluish-yellow about lores and eyes ; legs bluish-black ; 
eyes yellowish. One bird has greater part of back, several large wing feathers, and 
a number of the long dorsal plumes which extend beyond the tail, entirely slaty- 
blue ; primaries faintly tipped with dusky-blue ; the top of head and occipital crest, 
light blue ; single maroon feathers, small patches of a like color appear on head and 
neck. 

Adult ( white phase).— Two birds : Bill, lores and legs (dried skin) bluish-black ; 
eyes yellow ; ends of outer quills bluish ; top of head and parts of neck with a faint 
bluish tint; rest of plumage pure white. 

Young.— Bill greenish yellow from base to about half its length ; under surface of 
lower mandible yellowish, rest of both mandibles blackish ; lores greenish-blue; 
eyes yellow ; legs greenish or bluish-yellow ; ends of several primaries dusky-blue, 
rest of plumage pure white. 

Habitat.—"New Jersey, Illinois and Kansas, southward through Central America 
and the West Indies to Guiana and New Grenada ; casually north on Atlantic coast 
to Massachusetts and Maine. 

This little heron is said to be more diurnal in its habits than others 
of its family. Its food, collected principally in the daytime, according 
to different writers, consists of fish, frogs, tadpoles, worms, lizards, small 
crabs and various kinds of insect-life. Thirty-one of these herons, which 
I obtained in different parts of Florida, in March and April, 1885, were 
found to have fed almost exclusively on small fishes. Twenty-six of 
these birds had only the remains of fish in their viscera. Two others 
had eaten frogs and insects; two, insects only, and the remaining bird 
had in its stomach two small frogs, a few fish bones and scales, Avitli hair 
of a small mammal. The nest and eggs of the Little Blue Heron are 
very similar to those of the Louisiana Heron. This bird, according to 
my experience, is found in Pennsylvania as a casual visitor in the late 
summer, or early autumn. During the last ten years I have seen two 
or three (all young) which Avere taken in the southeastern part of the 

* From twenty six specimens ; one (young) captured August, 18T5, in Pennsylvania, the others daken 
when breeding, in Orange county, Fla., March, 1885. 











BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


63 


state. Only five, of over seventy, naturalists and collectors, who have 
kindly sent me lists of birds found in the different counties of our com¬ 
monwealth, seems to have observed this species. Their reports are sub¬ 
stantially as follows: Dr. John W. Detwiller, Bethlehem, straggler in 
Northampton county; Dr. W. Yan Fleet, Renovo, straggler in Clinton 
county; D. Frank Keller, Reading, accidental visitor in Berks county. 
Prof. H. Justin Roddy, in a letter sent to me from Landisburg, July 15, 
1889, says: “Ardea coerulea is a rare breeder (Perry county). Found a 
set of eggs June 20, 1885, near the base of Mt. Dempsey.” 

Ardea virescens Linn. 

Green Heron; Shite-poke; Chalk-line; Fly-up-the-creek. 

Description {Plate 55). 

Length about 18 inches ; expanse about 26 ; bill rather stout, about two and a-lialf 
inches long, and about half an inch longer than tarsus. 

Adult , in summer. —Top of head, and lengthened crest glossy green; sides of 
head, and neck, except a whitish and dusky streak in front, bright chestnut or 
maroon ; wing coverts and upper surface of wings and tail feathers glossy green, 
wing coverts edged with brownish and whitish ; inner primaries with narrow white 
tips, long scapular plumes bluisli-white glossed with green, lower parts grayish, 
darkest on sides. Bill greenish-black, except mandible on lower surface, also lores 
and eyes yellow ; legs greenish yellow. 

Young .—Head less crested and dull greenish-black, back and upper parts gener¬ 
ally greenish ; long scapular plumes absent; wing-coverts much more broadly bor¬ 
dered, brown and'whitish than adult; many of larger wing feathers have showy 
white tips; chin, throat and front neck, whitish with dusky streaks ; rest of and 
sides of head rather pale reddish-brown ; lower parts, whitish with dusky stripes; 
edge of wing as in adult, white ; color of eyes, legs and bill very similar to old bird. 

Habitat. —Canada and Oregon, southward to northern South America and the West 
Indies ; rare or absent in the middle province. 

The Green Heron is known by a variety of local names, some of which 
are much more expressive than elegant. This bird, the most common 
and abundant of all our herons, is found throughout the state, frequent¬ 
ing rivers, streams and ponds. It arrives in this section occasionally as 
early as the first week in April, from the southern states, where it re¬ 
sides when the chilling blasts of winter have frozen over our streams 
and marshes. This species sometimes breeds in small companies ; gen¬ 
erally, however, but two or three pairs are found nesting together. The 
nests, built of sticks and twigs, are placed in low bushes or small trees 
adjacent to a stream or pond. The nests frequently are built in apple 
orchards. Indeed, the largest number of nests that I ever found in one 
locality was in an apple orchard along the Brandywine, where for several 
years some twenty-five or thirty of these birds annually resorted. While 
it is true that I have found these herons breeding in small numbers with 
the Night and Great Blue Herons in Pennsylvania, and also in Florida 
in company with the Little Blue, Louisiana and Snowy Herons, and 
even sometimes in the colonies of Water Turkeys and Cormorants, I 





64 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


think, as a rule, they usually prefer to remain by themselves during’ the 
season of reproduction as well as at other times. Various writers state 
that the eggs are four in number. I have examined many nests, and 
consider the usual complement to be not less than five ; frequently six 
eggs are laid. The eggs are pale-blue and larger than those of our com¬ 
mon pigeon. This species feeds much more frequently on insects than 
other of the herons that reside with us. Nuttall writes of the Green 
Heron in the following language : “ He is also particularly attracted by 
artificial ponds for fish, not refraining even to visit gardens and domes¬ 
tic premises which any prospect of fare may offer. He is, at the same 
time, perhaps as much in quest of the natural enemy of the fish, the 
frog, as of the legitimate tenants of the pond. These bold and intrusive 
visits are commonly made early in the morning, or towards twilight, and 
he not unfrequently, when pressed by hunger, or after ill-success, turns 
out to hunt his fare by day as well as dusk, and, at such times, collects 
various larvae, particularly those of the dragon-fly, with grasshoppers 
and different kinds of insects. At other times he preys upon small fish, 
crabs and frogs, for which he often lies patiently in wait till they reap¬ 
pear from their hiding places in the water or mud, and on being trans¬ 
fixed and caught, which is effected with great dexterity, they are com¬ 
monly beaten to death, if large, and afterwards swallowed at leisure.” 

Fourteen birds, examined by me, were found to have fed on the differ¬ 
ent materials named below: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

June —. 1879. 

Barnegat, N. J. 

Beetles and other insects. 

2 

Oct. 10. 1879,. 

Chester county. Pa. 

“ Fall-llsh.” 

3 

April 29. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Frog and minnows. 

4 

April 29. 1879. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Fragments of insects and small quantity 
hair, probably that of a field-mouse. 

5 

May 12. 1880. 

Chester couniy. Pa. 

Beetles. 

6 

July 3. 1880. 

Delaware county. Pa.. 

Frog. 


June 30. 1881. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Remains of small fishes. 

8 

Aug. 17, 1881. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and other insects. 

9 

May 14. 1882. 

Lancaster county. Pa.. . . 

Fishes and frogs. 

10 

July 29. 1882. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Remains of small fishes.* 

11 

July 29. 1882. 

Chestercounty, Pa. 

Remains of small fishes. * 

12 

July 29. 1882. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Remains of small fishes.* 

13 

July 29. 1882. 

Chestercounty. Pa. 

Remains of small fishes.* 

14 

Sept. 4. 1883. 

York county, Pa. 

Dipterous and other insects. 


* Four young birds taken from the nest. 


Genus NYCTICORAX Stephens. 

Nycticorax nycticorax naevius (Bodd.). 

Black-crowned Night Heron ; Squawk; Night-hen. 

Description {Plated). 

Bill very stout and thick ; maxilla slightly curved ; bill and tarsus each about 3 
inches long; head and neck large, the latter quite short; body rather short and 
heavy. 

Adult .—Length about 25 inches ; alar extent, about 44 ; bill black ; lores greenish- 
yellow ; eyes red ; legs yellowish ; top of head and middle of back glossy-greenish 






































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


65 


black (sometimes dull black with little or no greenish) ; a narrow stripe on fore¬ 
head reaching to eye ; sides of head, chin, throat and under parts white, often tinged 
with a faint yellowish or a very delicate light purple color; wings and tail ashy- 
blue ; neck, except in front, similar but paler. The adults frequently have 3 long 
and white occipital feathers, which, when rolled together, appear as one thick round 
feather. 

Young .—Bill (dried skin) black and yellowish ; iris light yellow ; legs yellowish ; 
upper parts light-brown, spotted or streaked with whitish ; tail about same as adult; 
sides of head and neck, and under plumage generally, striped with whitish and 
dusky. A young bird before me differs from the last chiefly in having top of head 
and large space on interscapular region, dull brownish-gray, without spots. 

Habitat. —America, from the British possessions southward to the Falkland 
Islands, including part of the West Indies. 

Next to the Green Heron the Night Heron is unquestionably the 
most abundant of the family in this state. The adult birds are easily 
distinguished from other herons by the black feathers on top of head 
and back, red eyes, and frequently three long, fine, white feathers, 
which grow from the base of the head. The appellation, Night Heron, 
is highly appropriate, as this bird is strictly nocturnal in its habits. 
During the daytime the Night Heron is inactive, and generally is found 
perched on a log or the limb of a tree in a quiet nook about the swamps 
and streams. As twilight approaches this drowsy wader becomes, as it 
were, a new being—impelled, no doubt, by the pangs of hunger—he 
stands erect, the loose and shaggy plumage, which before seeilied ill- 
adapted to his body, now fits neat and closely as he carefully walks to 
the extremity of the dead and decorticated limb on which he has been 
dozing, and suddenly with a loud squawk launches himself into the air, 
uttering at short intervals his harsh note, and, rising above the trees of 
the forest, he speedily visits some favorite mill-dam. These birds arrive 
in Pennsylvania about the 25th of April and remain until the latter part 
of September. They seem to repair at once on their arrival in spring to 
localities where they are accustomed to breed. After the breeding sea¬ 
son, i. e., about the middle of August, when the young are amply able to 
provide for themselves these birds forsake their nesting-places and 
become quite plentiful along the rivers, streams and bushy marshes. 
The Night Heron rarely, if ever, breeds singly, but always in large 
companies. I have visited, on different occasions, two of these breeding 
resorts and found from twenty-five to seventy-five nests, which like those 
of the other species, were built of sticks and placed usually in high 
trees. In Berks county, near Blue Rock, for many years, this species 
annually reared their young in the edge of a large woods along the 
margin of which was a good-sized stream. In this place many of the 
nests were built in a bunch of saplings, some fifteen or twenty feet high 
and so small in diameter that it was impossible to climb them. Wilson 
has very properly said that the noise of the old and young in one of 
these breeding-places would induce one to suppose that two or three 
hundred Indians were choking or throttling each other. The same 
5 Birds. 




66 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


writer, in referring* to examinations which he made, states that the teeth 
of the pectinated claw were thirty-five or forty in number, and, as they 
contained particles of the down of the bird, showed evidently from this 
circumstance that they act the part of a comb to rid the bird of vermin 
in those parts which it cannot reach with its bill. The late Isaac G. 
Darlington, of West Chester, some years ago, had large numbers of 
gold-fishes in a pond near his residence. One day Mr. Darlington 
caught twenty-five of these fish and placed them in a small pool, intend¬ 
ing to remove them the following morning. About bedtime, Mr. D. 
said, I heard a loud squawking, and on going out saw two Night Herons j 
actively engaged in catching these fish. I shot one of these robbers, 
which you there see mounted, on the book-case, and on making an in- 
vestigaton found only one of the fish remaining. “An incident may 
illustrate the habits of the Night Heron, and perhaps of the whole i 
family. I Night Heron had been noticed for several days sitting on a 
tree near a branch of White Clay creek. It was at length shot and 
brought to me, with the tail of a large fish projecting four inches beyond 
its bill. On removing the fish (a sucker Catostomus, which must have 
been twelve inches long), its head and shoulders—except the bony por¬ 
tions—were eaten away by the gastric liquor of the stomach.”— Michener. 

I have examined the stomachs of twenty odd of these herons, adult and 
young, which have been shot in June at the breeding-grounds, and found 
in all only the remains of fishes. In two or three immature birds, taken 
in August and September, I have discovered a few grasshoppers and 
portions of insects. 

Note. —The Yellow-crowned Night Heron (N. violaceus) which is 
found in eastern North America, “from the Carolinas and the lower 
Ohio valley south to Brazil,” has not, within the last twenty years, to 
my knowledge been observed in Pennsylvania. Dr. Turnbull, * writing 
of this species says: “A rare straggler from the south. It has been seen 
on the borders of the Schuylkill near Philadelphia.” 


* Birds of East Pennsylvania and New Jersey, published in 1869. 






J 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 67 


Order PALUDIC0LJ3. Rails, Etc. 

Suborder BALL I. Rails, Coots, Etc. 

Family RALLIDAE. Rails, Gallinules and Coots. 

Subfamily RALLINiE Rails. 

THE RAILS. 

Six species are found in Pennsylvania either as summer residents, spring and fall 
migrants or casual visitants. These birds are difficult to flush, and when started they 
fly usually in a feeble manner, going mostly but a short distance when they alight 
and hide in the thick vegetation abounding in the marshes and swampy places 
which they inhabit almost habitually. Rails, when surprised in their marshy re¬ 
treats, seem to prefer to escape by skulking in the reeds and grasses, but if closely 
pressed they make short flights, dropdown suddenly, and secrete themselves or run 
with outstretched wings over extensive spaces of water, on which scattered leaves, 
blades of grass, or twigs, are resting. Rails, when wounded, particularly if winged, 
frequently escape by swimming. It is surprising how rapidly these slender-toed 
birds can escape in this manner; they also are quite expert in diving, and some¬ 
times to escape their enemies will remain for a considerable time under the water— 
clinging by the long toes to plants—with only the bills above the surface. Rails lay 
six to twelve whitish, yellowish, or grayish and spotted eggs, in shallow nests built 
of blades of grass, reeds or small sticks, supported by tough grasses or rushes in 
ponds and marshes. The downy young of the King, Virginia, Clapper and Sora 
Rails are black. These birds feed largely on seeds, the tender leaves and buds of 
various water plants. They also eat cray-fish, worms, beetles and other insects. 
The Clapper (on salt-water marshes of Atlantic coast) and Sora Rails, which are 
killed in great numbers by sportsmen, are very highly esteemed game birds. The 
other species, equally as palatable, but with the exception of occasional examples of 
the King and Virginia Rails, are seldom seen in our markets. The Sora, and scatter¬ 
ing individuals of other species, particularly the Virginia and King Rails, are 
often found, in August and early in September, in considerable numbers, in suita¬ 
ble locations, in different parts of this state. Sometimes during cloudy weather, at 
twilight and often in the night, particularly in the spring and breeding season, the 
loud, grating cries of these birds are heard in the meadows and marshes. In the 
genus Rallus the slender and slightly curved bill is much longer than the head ; 
maxilla, particularly in the King Rail ( elegans ) and Clapper Rail ( crepitans ) with 
long and rather deep furrows, which start above and behind the linear nostrils and 
extend beyond basal half of bill. In Porzana the bill, shorter than head, is straight 
and thick with rather short, broad fossae, deepest in front of the narrow nostrils. 
The head is feathered in front, i. <?., no broad horny frontal plate as in Coot and Gal¬ 
linules; tibiae naked below; toes, long and slender, without lobes or marginal mem¬ 
branes, and the wings are short and round. The tail has twelve short feathers. 


Genus RALLUS Linnaeus. 

Rallus elegans Aud. 

King Rail; Big Red Rail. 

Description. 

Adult .—Length 18 inches; extent about 25. Bill little over 2 inches long. Bill 
(dried skin) maxilla blackish-brown, lower mandible paler, darker toward end ; 










68 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


legs and bare parts of tibise brownish ; iris reddish. A pale streak from base of 
maxilla runs back over eye ; lores dusky; top of head and back of neck dark- 
brownish, almost black ; spot on lower eyelid, chin, most of throat, some leathers on 
edge of wing also some under tail coverts, white ; sides and front of neck and breast 
bright rufous, growing paler below, belly in same birds is nearly white; wing- 
coverts similar to breast but darker. Feathers of upper parts generally, are mostly 
brownish-black, edged with olive-brown ; lower part of abdomen, flanks and axiliars 
blackish, with conspicuous transverse white bars. 

Habitat.— Fresh-water marshes of the eastern province of the United States, from 
the Middle States, northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Kansas southward. Casually 
north to Massachusetts, Maine and Ontario. 

Spring- and fall migrant. Most frequently seen in fall, and much less 
common than either the Virginia or Sora Bails. Always observed singly 
or in pairs; often in same swamps with Sora and Virginia Bail during 
migrations. Probably a regular breeder in some of our extensive 
swamps and marshes. Specimens of this species have been shot by 
Messrs. James and Scott Thompson, in the late summer and early 
autumn, in the neighborhood of Erie city, and Mr. George B. Sennett 
has observed it in Erie county as a spring migrant. Dr. John W. Det- 
willer, of Northampton county, has found nests of this, also the Sora 
and Little Bed Bail in Pennsylvania. Hon. Gerard C. Brown, York 
county; A. T. Lilley, Bradford county; Dr. A. C. Treichler, Lancaster 
county; D. Frank Keller, of Berks county, and Dr. Van Fleet, Clinton 
county, state that the King Bail occurs in their localities as a straggler. 
During the past ten years I have obtained in Delaware, Philadelphia 
and Chester counties about a dozen birds of this species; two of these 
were killed in spring and the others in August and September. The 
nest, a rude platform of grasses, weeds, etc., is placed on the ground or 
in a tussock of grass above the water, in a marsh. The eggs measure 
about 1.65 x 1.20, and are dull creamy white, dotted and blotched with 
reddish-brown and light-purple. 


Rallus longirostris crepitans (Gmel.). 

Clapper Rail; Mud Hen. 

Description. 

This bird is similar in form but somewhat smaller than R. elegant which it re¬ 
sembles in general appearance, but lacking the bright rufous as well as other darker 
colors of the King Rail. 

Adult .—Bill averages a trifle longer than elegant. Length about sixteen inches; bill 
(dried skin), upper half of maxilla brownish, rest of maxilla except end which is 
brownish, and most of lower mandible pale yellowish brown ; legs grayish-yellow 
brown; iris brownish. Top of head, back of neck and upper parts generally gray¬ 
ish-olive brown ; feathers have dark centers and paler margins ; chin, upper throat, 
streak over eye, spot on under eye-lid, and middle of abdomen whitish; sides, 
flanks, under wing coverts and axiliars dusky grayish-brown, barred with white ; 
greater part of neck in front, sides of same, and lores, ashy-gray ; breast grayish- 
white, with a pale reddish-yellow tinge $ this latter color in specimen before me is 
well shown on front of neck. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


69 


Habitat .—Salt marshes of the Atlantic coast of the United States, from New Jersey- 
southward ; resident from the Potomac southward, casually north to Massachusetts. 

Tlie Clapper Bail or Mud-hen is the noisy game bird which is often 
killed in such great numbers about the salt-water marshes in the neigh¬ 
borhood of Atlantic City, New Jersey. In Pennsylvania this rail has 
been found as a very rare, or, more probably, accidental visitor. The 
late Judge Libhart records the capture of one in Lancaster county by 
Mr. G. W. Hensel; and Dr. Detwiller has also taken it in the state. A 
bird of this species was shot near Chester city, Delaware county, Sep¬ 
tember, 1880, by ex-Sheriff George B. Hoopes, of West Chester and 
presented to me. 


Rallus virginianus Linn. 

Virginia Rail; Little Red Rail. 

Description (Plate 78). 

Much smaller than either the Clapper or King Rails, but resembling them in form 
and resembling also R. elegans in colors. 

Adult .—Nine or ten inches long and about fourteen in extent. Specimen before 
me has sides of head mostly grayish-ashy, little or no white about lower eye-lid, 
otherwise same as King Rail previously described. Specimens are occasionally 
taken in which the neck and breast are more or less black. 

Habitat .—North America, from British provinces and south to Guatemala and 
Cuba. 

Notwithstanding the fact that the plumage of the Virginia and King 
Bails is similar, the species can readily be distinguished by the great 
difference in size, the Virginia Bail being only about one-third as large 
as the King Bail. This species arrives in Pennsylvania by the first of 
May and remains with us until the middle of October—specimens have 
been killed during the first week in November. These birds, although 
only occasionally observed, are, I am certain, much more plentiful about 
our large swamps and marshy river borders than it is usually supposed. 
Frequenting, as they do at all times, however, marshy districts, which are 
thickly covered with various grasses, bushes, reeds, etc., it is rather ex¬ 
ceptional to see them. Like all the rails, they are shy and timid. If ap¬ 
proached they seldom fly, but run rapidly and quickly conceal themselves 
among the thick tussocks or other suitable cover. They are seemingly 
in no way impeded in making their retreat even across large-sized spaces 
of water on which are floating a few blades of grass, leaves or twigs, 
over which they run with the same celerity as when on the ground. The 
nest, a frail structure consisting mainly of grass, is built commonly in a 
tussock located generally in the most inaccessible portion of the swamp. 
The eggs, it is said, vary in number from six to ten and are dirty white, 
with numerous spots and different shades of brown. Nuttall says: 
“The female is so much attached to her eggs, after sitting, as sometimes 
to allow of being taken up by the hand rather than desert the premises, 









70 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


which affection appears the more necessary as the male seems to desert 
his mate and leave her in the sole charge of her little family.” 

The Virginia Bail breeds in Chester and Delaware counties. Prof. 
August Kock writes as follows of the species in Lycoming county: 
“ Breeds sparingly, and I think in single pairs, at least I have never 
found more than one family in a locality.” In the counties of Clinton, 
Clearfield and Northumberland, Dr. Van Fleet says this rail breeds quite 
regularly. In other counties the Little Bed Bail is reported to me by 
the following gentlemen, either as an occasional, or regular, but not 
common summar visitant: Lancaster, Dr. A. C. Treichler; Philadelphia, 
Bev. Jos. Johnson; Cumberland, T. L. Neff; Luzerne, Dr. W. L. Hart¬ 
man ; Lehigh, J. F. Kocher; Berks, D. F. Keller; Susquehanna, Dr. H. 
A. Tingley. The food materials of eleven birds, of this species, are 
given in the following table: 


NO. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

Sept. 3. 1879. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Beetles. 

2 

Sept. 15, 1879. 

Philadelphia Market, Pa. 

Insects and jgmall seeds. 

3 

Sept. 15, 1879. 

Philadelphia Market, Pa. 

Fragments of beetles. 

4 

May 13. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Earth-worms. 

5 

May 30, 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Beetles and vegetable matter. 

6 

July 20, 1882. 

Chester county. Pa.' . . . 

Beetles. 

7 

Oct. 5. 1882. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Insects and small seeds 

8 

Aug. 14, 1883. 

Wilmington, Del. 

Beetles. 

9 

Sept. 2, 1884. 

Delaware county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

10 

Sept. 2, 1884,. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Small 4 ' worms. ” 

11 

Sept. 2, 1884,. 

Delaware county, Pa.,. 

Beetles and seeds. 


Genus PORZANA Vieillot. 

Porzana Carolina (Linn.). 

Sora; Carolina Kail; Rail-bird; Common Rail; “Ortolan.” 

Description ( Plate 7). 

Length, about 9 inches ; extent, about 13 ; bill about three-fourths of an inch long. 
This species shows great variations in plumage, in perfect dress the sexes are alike. 
Young or immature birds lack the black of face, chin and throat; the throat and the 
breast, often streaked or patched with bluish-asli, is brownish. 

Adult , in Spring. —Upper parts olive-brown and black, and many feathers spotted 
or streaked on edges with white, flanks and axillars, barred with black and white ; 
feathers about bill, chin and throat black ; line over eye, sides of head, portion of 
neck and breast, plain lead color ; belly, grayish-white ; under tail coverts, rusty 
white; bill (dried skin) greenish yellow, dark toward end ; legs dark greenish ; 
iris brown. 

Habitat.— Temperate North America, but most common in the eastern province, 
breeding chiefly northward. South in winter to the West Indies and northern South 
America. 

The Carolina Bail and Virginia Bail resemble each other in size and 
form, but otherwise are greatly different. First, they differ in plumage, 
secondly, the bill of the Carolina Bail is about three-fourths of an inch 
long, while in the Virginia Bail this organ is often over one and one- 
half inches in length; again, the legs of the Carolina Bail are greenish- 












































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


71 


yellow, those of the Virginia Rail are dull reddish-brown. This species 
and the preceding may be said to be the only rails which are common 
in Pennsylvania. The Carolina Rail arrives here about the first week in 
May. During the latter part of August and early in September, it is 
not uncommon to find these birds in parties numbering from six to 
twenty, sometimes many more,* in swamps and wet grassy meadows. 

The Sora has been found breeding in Chester county, along the Bran¬ 
dywine, and it occurs in different localities in Pennsylvania as a regular 
or occasional summer resident. In Montgomery county, Mr. Thomas S. 
Gillin, of Ambler, has noted it as an occasional breeder, and Mr. George 
B. Sennett says it breeds occasionally in Erie county. Prof. August 
Kock states that in Lycoming county “ they breed in small colonies in 
small open swamps, which are grown with a few small bushes.” In Lan¬ 
caster county, both Dr. Treichler and Mr. William N. Buffer, mention 
the Sora as a native. Dr. Isaiah F. Everhart and Mr. George P. Eriant, 
of Scranton, have young birds, captured in Lackawanna county. Dr. 
Van Fleet, Clinton county, and Mr. D. Frank Keller, Berks county, have 
found it breeding. “ Eggs 8-12,1.23 x .89 brownish buff, rather sparsely 
spotted with brown and purplish gray .”—Ridgway Manual N. A. Birds. 

The food materials which were found in the stomachs of sixteen of these 
birds are given below: 


NO. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

Sept. 8. 1880 . 

Near Chester city. Pa. 

Green-colored vegetable matter. 

2 

Sept. 8. 1880. 

Near Chester city, Pa. 

Brown-colored seeds, large and small. 

3 

Sept. 8, 1880. 

Near Chester city. Pa. 

Brown and yellow-colored seeds. 

4 

Sept. 8, 1880. 

Near Chester city, Pa. 

Brown and yellow-colored seeds. 

5 

Sept. 8 , 1880. 

Near Chester city, Pa. 

Yellow seeds and particles of shells. 

6 

Sept. 8. 1880. 

Near Chester city, Pa. . . 

Green-colored vegetable matter. 

7 

Sept. 8, 1880 . 

Near Chester city, Pa . 

Seeds and other vegetable matter. 

8 

Sept. 8, 1880 . 

Near Chester city. Pa . 

Yellow-colored seeds. 

9 

Sept. 8. 1880 . 

Near Chester city, Pa . 

Yellow and brown-colored seeds 

10 

Sept. 8, 1880 . 

Near Chester city, Pa. .. 

Seeds and other vegetable mutter. 

11 

Sept. 8, 1880 . 

Near Chester city, Pa . 

Seeds and other vegetable matter. 

12 

Sept. 8, 1880, .... 

Near Chester city, Pa . 

Seeds and other vegetable matter. 

13 

Oct. 3, 1880 . 

Pocopson, Pa. .. 

Black-colored seeds. 

14 

May 3, 1882 . 

Chester county, Pa . 

Small ‘ ‘ worms. ” 

15 

July 20, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Small green seeds. 

16 

Aug. 12, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and vegetable matter. 


Porzana noveboracensis (Gmel.). 

Yellow Rail. 

Description. 

“ Entire upper parts ochre-yellow, with longitudinal wide stripes of brownish- 
black and transverse narrow stripes of white ; neck and breast reddish ochre-yellow ; 
many feathers tipped with brown ; middle of abdomen white ; flanks and ventral 
region with transverse bands of dark reddish-brown and narrow bands of white; 
under tail coverts rufous with small spots of white and black ; under wing-coverts 
white. Length (from tip of bill to end of tail), about 6 inches; extent about 13; 
wing 3| ; tail 1£ ; bill \ inch.”— B. B. of N.^A. 

* Mr. James Thompson, of Erie city, informs me that upwards of eighty of these rails have been taken 
In a day about the ponds on the peninsula at Erie bay. In these ponds wild rice grows in abundance, and 
rails as well as many other water birds, resort there to feed on the seeds of this plant. 










































72 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, from Nova Scotia and Hudson’s Bay west to 
Utah and Nevada. No extra-limital record except Cuba and the Bermudas. 

Birds of this species are occasionally taken about our rivers and 
meadows during* the spring* and fall migrations. I have seen two speci¬ 
mens which were captured in the early part of July, 1882, in Delaware 
county, near Chester city. It is possible that this little rail sometimes 
breeds in Pennsylvania, yet I have no positive information to this effect. 
The eggs, according to different writers, vary from six to ten, and are 
described as creamy buff, marked at the larger end with reddish spots, 
and measure about 1.13 by .82 inches. 

Porzana jamaicensis (Gmel.). 

Black Rail. 

Description. 

“Upper parts blackish, finely speckled and barred with white, the hind neck and 
fore back dark chestnut. Head and under parts dark slate color, paler or whitening 
on the throat, the lower belly, flanks, and under wing and tail-coverts barred with 
white. Quills and tail-feathers with white spots.. Very small; length about ; 
wing 2£ to 3 ; tail 1^; tarsus l.”—Cone's Key. 

Habitat .—Temperate North America, north to Massachusetts, northern Illinois 
and Oregon ; south to West Indies and in western South America to Chili. 

This diminutive, shy and secretive bird—the smallest of our North 
A merican rails—is said to have been found, many years ago, breeding 
in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, by the late John Krider. I have 
seen two specimens which were shot in September, on the Delaware, 
near Chester city. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, has captured 
this species in his locality; George B. Boss, of Lebanon, says that 
he has taken two in Lebanon county, one, August, 1879, the other Au¬ 
gust, 1880. I have never seen the eggs of the Black Bail. Mr. Bidg- 
way* says they number “about nine, 1.01 by .79, white or buffy white^ 
sprinkled, or finely speckled, chiefly on the larger end, with dark red¬ 
dish-brown or chestnut.” 



Subfamily GALLINULINJG. Gallinules. 

THE GALLINULES. 

The Gallinules are found in the same localities as the rails, to which they are quite 
similar in habits. Two species occur in the United States, and both are found in 
Pennsylvania. They have a broad, bare, and often highly colored horny plate on 
the forehead ; bill short and similar in shape to birds of the genus Porzana. Feet 
large and stout; toes long, “and in G. galeata with a slight marginal membrane.” 
Gallinules nest in marshes, and lay many yellowish or buff-colored and spotted eggs. 


* Manual of North American Birds, p. 140. 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


73 


Genus IONORNIS Reichenbach. 

Ionornis martinica (Linn.). 

Purple Gallinule. 

Description. 

“ Head, neck and under parts beautiful purplish-blue, blackening on the belly, 
the sides and lining of wings bluish-green, the crissum white. Above, olivaceous- 
green, the cervix (hind neck) and wing-coverts tinged with blue. Quills and tail 
feathers blackish, glossed on the outer webs with greenish. Frontal shield blue (or 
dusky) ; bill carmine, tipped with yellow ; legs yellow. The young with the head, 
neck and lower back brownish, the under parts mostly white mixed with ochrey. 
Length 12-14 ; extent about 22.”— Coues. 

Habitat .—South Atlantic and Gulf States, casually northward to Maine, New York, 
Wisconsin, etc. ; south throughout the West Indies to Brazil. 

The Purple Gallinule, a southern species, is a very rare and irregular 
visitor as far northward as Pennsylvania. Joseph Krider, two or three 
years ago, had a specimen which was taken near Philadelphia. In other 
localities stragglers, at irregular intervals, have also been captured and 
reported to me as follows: York county, Casper Loucks and George 
Miller; Mercer county, S. S. Overmoyer; Luzerne county, Dr. W. L. 
Hartman. 


Genus GALLINTJLA Brisson. 

Gallinula galeata (Licht.). 

Florida Gallinule ; Blue Rail. 

Description {Plate 66). 

Adult .—Length about 14 inches ; extent about 20 inches; general color grayish- 
black, darkest on head and upper hind neck ; lightest, and sometimes quite white 
on abdomen; middle of back, brownish-olive; edge of wing, outer edge of first 
primary, some of under tail-coverts, and stripes on the flanks, white. Frontal plate 
and ring about lower part of tibiae red (the red color on frontal plate and tibiae is 
oftentimes hardly noticeable in specimens taken in autumn and in immature birds 
the frontal shield is rudimentary, and the bill is brownish). Bill red with yellow 
end ; legs greenish-yellow ; iris brown. The young have much white or whitish 
on under parts. 

Habitat .—Temperate and tropical America, from Canada to Brazil and Chili. 

Regular, but rather rare spring and fall migrant. Probably breeds. 
Reports which I have received from twenty-two naturalists and collec¬ 
tors residing in different counties of the northern, southern, eastern, 
western and central parts of the state, show that the species is generally 
distributed in suitable localities throughout the commonwealth. All of 
my informants mention this Gallinule—called by sportsmen Blue Rail— 
as a straggler or very rare migrant. The Messrs. Baird mentions this 
species as a rare native in Cumberland county. Their food, according 
to Audobon, “consists of grasses, seeds, water insects, worms and snails, 
along with which they swallow a good deal of sand or gravel.” 




74 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 11. 1879. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Vegetable matter (green-colored). 

2 

Sept. 8. 1880. 

Near Chester city, Pa. 

Seeds. 

3 

Sept. 15, 1880. 

Near Chester city, Pa. 

Seeds and green-colored vegetable matter. 

4 

Oct. 20, 1883. 

Philadelphia, Market, Pa.. . 

Black-colored seeds. 


In addition to the examinations given in the above table, I found in 
the gizzards of five of these birds, which were killed in Florida, in 
March, 1885, numerous small yellow and brown seeds; also the stems 
and leaves of different kinds of aquatic plants. 


Subfamily FULICINjE- Coots. 

THE COOTS. 

Only one species of this subfamily is found in the United States. Coots frequent 
the same localities in which are found the rails and gallinules. They resemble in 
many ways their near relatives, the gallinules, from which, however, they can 
easily be recognized by the large semicircular lobes on front toes. Coots spend 
much of their time in the water, in which they swim and dive with ease. 


Genus FTJLJCA Linnaeus. 

Fulica americana Gmel. 

American Coot; Mud-hen; Crow Duck. 

Description (Plates.) 

Adult , in spring. —Bill short, thick and white or nearly so; frontal plate and spot 
near end of each mandible reddish-brown ; head and neck black ; edge of wing, 
tips of secondaries, and some of lower tail-coverts white; rest ot plumage dark 
grayish-lead color, lighter on belly than elsewhere; eyes reddish or brown; legs 
dark greenish-yellow ; length about 14 inches ; extent about 28. The young of this 
species are similar but everywhere much paler in color. 

Habitat. —North America, from Greenland and Alaska, southward to the West 
Indies and Central America. 

The American Coot, commonly known in eastern Pennsylvania as Mud- 
lien,* breeds in various localities throughout its extensive range. In the 
British Provinces it is said to be quite a common summer resident. Mr. 
Samuels remarks that it breeds probably in all the New England States. 
Dr. Coues has found it breeding in northern Montana and Dakota. Mr. 
H. W. Henshaw found them to be very numerous at the alkali lakes, 
southern Colorado, where, according to this eminent authority, “ they 
breed in colonies among the rushes, the nests often being but a few feet 
apart. These are very bulky structures, composed of weeds and rushes 
raised to a height of several inches from the surface of the water, so that 
the eggs are kept perfectly dry, and are moored to the stems of the sur- 

* The vernacular name of Mud-hen Is also given to the Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris crepitans— 
Gmel.) which breeds so abundantly in the extensive marshes about Atlantic City and elsewhere on the 
Atlantic coast in New Jersey and southward. 





















BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


75 




rounding reeds.” During the winter months coots may be seen in large 
flocks along the St. John’s river, Florida; at “Mud Lake,” about ten 
miles north of Sanford, I have seen over a thousand in one flock. 

The coot is found throughout Pennsylvania as a common spring and 
fall migrant—April, September and October—frequenting usually 
sloughs, pools and sluggish streams. They generally are much more 
numerous in autumn than in spring; and at Erie bay these birds are 
frequently seen, especially in the fall, in flocks, swimming among the 
reeds and rank grasses near the shore. I have never observed the coot 
in Pennsylvania in the breeding season, and am quite certain it seldom 
breeds here. Lists of birds received by me from naturalists and collec¬ 
tors, residing in all but five or six counties of the commonwealth, with 
two exceptions, show that the coot has been noted only as a spring and 
fall visitor. That it has been found breeding in at least two localities, 
there appears to be no doubt, as both Mr. S. S. Overmoyer, of Mercer 
county, and Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Northampton county, mention it 
as a native. “Eggs, about a dozen, 1.75 to 2.00 long by 1.20 to 1.35 broad, 
shaped like an average hen’s egg, clear clay-color, uniformly and min¬ 
utely dotted with dark brown, the spots usually mere pin-heads, some¬ 
times large blotches. The nest is sometimes on dry ground a little way 
from water. The young hatch covered with black down, fantastically 
striped with bright orange-red, with vermillion bill tipped with black.”— 
Coues. 

Audubon states that its food consists of seeds, grasses, small fishes, 
worms, snails and insects, along with which it introduces into its stom¬ 
ach a-good quantity of rather coarse sand. Nuttall observes that they 
feed principally on aquatic vegetable substances, as seeds, leaves, etc. 
In March, 1885, I obtained seventeen coots at Little Lake George, 
Florida, and found in the stomachs of all only small seeds, blades of 
grass, with, in most every instance, a small quantity of sand or gravel. 
Six of these birds, which I have obtained in Chester county, Pa., had 
only vegetable materials, small black and yellow seeds, also sand in 
their muscular gizzards. 


Order LIMICOLJE. Shore Birds. 

Family PHALAROPODIDjE. Phalakopes. 

THE PHALAROPES. 

Three species of this family are found in the United States, and two, at least, occur 
more or less regularly in Pennsylvania. Although these birds resemble, in many 
respects, the sandpipers, they can readily be distinguished from the latter by the 
curious lobate feet, like those of the grebes and coot, previously described. Phala- 
ropes, the smallest of our swimming birds, spend much of their time in the water, 
on which they swim in an easy and graceful manner. The under plumage is com- 






76 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


pact like a duck’s to resist water. These birds undergo marked changes of plumage 
with age and season. The bills, as well as the marginal membranes of the toes, all 
differ in slight particulars, but the toes in all these species are united by basal webs. 
Two species are recorded as breeding only in the Arctic regions, but they all migrate 
southward in winter and two, at least, penetrate to the tropical countries. The 
Phalaropes, it is stated, nest on the ground, and lay three or 1 r olive-buff or pale 
grayish-buff colored eggs, spotted with different shades of brown. These peculiar 
birds, combining as they do to a certain degree, both the habits and appearance of 
certain waders and swimmers, frequent both salt and fresh water. Their food, it 
is said, consists principally of aquatic insects, worms, molusca, etc. 


Genus PHALAROPUS Brisson. 

Phalaropus lobatus ( Linn. ). 

Northern Plialarope. 

Description. 

Length about 7 l 2 inches ; extent about 14 ; bill and legs blackish ; iris brown ; the 
bill, less than an inch long, is straight and pointed ; the wings are long, and the tail 
is short and rounded ; membrane of toes scolloped at joints. 

“ Winter plumage {adult). —Forehead, superciliary stripe, sides of head and neck 
with lower parts generally pure white ; top of head grayish, the feathers with dusky 
shaft-streaks and whitish borders ; a blackish spot in front of eye and side of head, 
from beneath eye, across ear-coverts mixed dusky and grayish-white ; upper parts 
chiefly .grayish ; sides of chest washed or clouded with grayish. 

“ Young .—Top of head dusky, with or without streaks ; back and scapulars black¬ 
ish, distinctly bordered with buff orochraceous ; middle wing-coverts bordered with 
buff or whitish ; forehead, supra-auricular stripe, lores and lower parts white, the 
chest and sides of breast sometimes suffused with dull brownish ; ear-coverts 
dusky .”—Ridgway Manual of N. A. Birds. 

Habitat. —Northern portions of northern hemisphere, breeding in Arctic latitudes; 
south in winter to the tropics. 

At Erie bay and about the lake shore in Erie county this plialarope 
is found as a rather regular but not common migrant, seen most fre¬ 
quently in the fall. In other sections of the state the Northern Phala- 
rope is a rare and irregular visitor. Prof. August Kock has observed it 
in Lycoming county as a “rare migrant.” Stragglers have also been 
captured, at irregular intervals, during recent years, about the rivers 
Delaware, Susquehanna and Ohio. 

Phalaropus tricolor (Vieill.). 

Wilson’s Phalarope. 

Description. 

Length about 9 inches; extent about 15^ inches ; bill and legs black ; iris dark- 
brown ; bill about inches long, cylindrical, tapering, slender and acute ; lateral 
membrane of all the toes even or unscolloped. 

“Winter plumage. —Above plain ash-gray ; upper tail-coverts superciliary stripe 
and lower parts white, the chest and sides of breast shaded with pale-gray. 

“ Young .—Top of head, back and scapulars dusky blackish, the feathers distinctly 
bordered with buff; wing-coverts also bordered with pale buff or whitish ; upper 

tail-coverts superciliary stripe and lower parts white, the neck tinged with buff.”_ 

Ridgway's Manual of N. A. Birds. 













BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 77 

i___ * _ 

Habitat .—Temperate North America, chiefly in the interior, breeding from north¬ 
ern Illinois and Utah northward to the Saskatchewan region; south in winter to 
Brazil and Patagonia. 

Rare and irregular migrant throughout the state, but at Erie bay 
small flocks of these phalaropes are sometimes to be seen in the fall 
swimming in the water like ducks. 

Note.— The Red Phalarope ( Crymophilus fulicarius ) which appears 
to be more exclusively maritime than the others, can easily be dis¬ 
tinguished by the bill, which is short, stout and broad, with lancet- 
shaped tip. The Red Phalarope was mentioned in the first edition of 
the Birds of Pennsylvania on the authority of Mr. C. D. Wood, of Phil¬ 
adelphia, who had two specimens, both of which I have since learned 
were taken in New Jersey, and not at Philadelphia, as I had first been 
informed. 


Family SCOLOPACIDjE. Snipes, Sandpipers, Etc. 

About twenty species of this large and important family, including several species 
which are eagerly sought after by the sportsmen and highly prized by epicures, are 
found in Pennsylvania during migrations or as summer residents. The great majority 
of the members of this family breed in high northern regions; three species—the 
American Woodcock, the Spotted and Bartramian Sandpipers—breed regularly and 
generally throughout our state. Some of these birds are solitary, but most of the 
species, when migrating are gregarious, and often they are seen in large flocks, 
which frequently contain different species. Although many of these birds occur in 
all parts of the commonwealth, more species and individuals, particularly in large 
flocks, are to bo observed during the spring and fall migrations at Erie bay and 
about the lake shore in Erie county than in other localities of the state. The Snipes 
and Sandpipers, with a few exceptions, inhabit commonly the muddy and sandy 
shores of rivers, lakes, creeks and ponds ; they likewise frequent, swamps and 
marshy meadow lands, and some of them are also to be found, usually, about bogs 
and watery places in woods and thickets. “The general econony of these birds is 
similar to that of a plover, a chief peculiarity being probably their mode of procur¬ 
ing food, by feeling for it, in the majority of cases, in the sand or mud with their 
delicately sensitive probe-like bill. The eggs are commonly four, parti-colored, 
pointed at one end and broad at the other, placed with the small ends together in a 
slight nest or mere depression on the ground ; the young run about at birth.”— 
Coues Key of K. A. Birds. These birds subsist almost exclusively on an animal 
diet, consisting mainly of insects, worms, water leeches, etc. 


Genus SCOLOPAX Linnaeus. 

Scolopax rusticola Linn. 

European Woodcock. 

Description. 

“No outer primaries shortened or peculiar, the first narrowed somewhat on inner 
web near end; first and second longest, third little shorter, fourth much shorter; 
wings long, comparatively * * *. Generic characters, excepting those of wing, 
much as in Philo h el a; same style of bill and feet and configuration of body and 
head ; plumage similarly variegated above, but below barred crosswise through¬ 
out ; size much superior. 







78 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


“ Cock bird. —Colors above harmoniously blended and varied black, brown, 
chestnut and yellowish-gray; under parts brownish-white, regularly wavy-barred 
throughout with dark brown. A dusky stripe from bill to eye. Top and back of 
head brownish-black and brown, divided by three or four cross-bars of brownish- 
white and brown. Each feather of upper parts chestnut and black, in variegation, 
the black usually forming a large sub-terminal spot. Yellowish-gray tending to 
form a scapular stripe on each side of back. Quills and coverts of wings blackish, 
pretty regularly varied with dark chestnut bars, on the larger quills this chestnut 
paler and reduced to marginal indentations ; outer web of first primary plain whitish. 
Upper tail-coverts rich chestnut, little varied with black, with pale tips. Tail feathers 
black, with angular chestnut indentations of outer webs ; their tips gray from above, 
viewed from below glistening silvery-white. Under parts brownish-white, more or 
less suffused with chestnut-brown on breast, the regular dusky barring only giving 
way on the whitish throat, changing to lengthwise streaks on under tail-coverts. 

Hen. —Unmistakably similar—substantially the same ; grayer above, much ot the 
russet mottling of the male replaced by hoary-gray, * * * (about a third larger 
than P. minor)', weight 12 to 15 ounces. Over a foot long ; wing seven inches or „ 
more ; tail 3 \ ; bill only about as long as in our woodcock.”— Coue’s Key to N. A. 
Birds. 

Habitat. —Northern parts of the Old World ; occasional in eastern North America. 

From several reports, about a half dozen in all, received during the last 
ten years, from gunners in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, I am 
inclined to the opinion that this bird is oftener met with on this side of 
the Atlantic than it is generally supposed. Not having any specimens 
of the European Woodcock in my collection, I have quoted from Dr. 
Coue’s Key, a very full description of the generic and specific characters 
of the species, in order that sportsmen will have no difficulty in identi¬ 
fying stragglers which may come into their possession. At least two of 
these birds have been captured, during recent years, in Pennsylvania. 
Dr. John W. Detwilier informs me that Mr. John Mack, of Bethlehem, 
shot one several years ago, while hunting American Woodcock, in North¬ 
ampton county. In the early part of November, 1886, Mr. David M. 
McFarland, a prominent banker, residing at West Chester, killed a large 
female of this species, when hunting quail on the “barrens,” in East 
Nottingham township, Chester county. September, 1889, I found one 
of these woodcock in the possesion of a game dealer in Philadelphia, 
which he said had been sent to him, with a lot of Sora and reed birds, 
from New Jersey. This bird, unfortunately, was too far gone to be pre¬ 
served. 


Genus PHILOHELA Gray. 

Philohela minor (Gmel.). 

American Woodcock; Bog-sucker; Wood-snipe. 

Description ( Plate 79). 

Body rather heavy ; neck short and thick ; eyes, head and bill large ; ears beneath 
eyes; wings short and rounded, the first three primaries very narrow and shorter 
than fourth ; fourth and fifth primaries longest. The tarsi about 1.25 long, are rather 
stout; tibiae feathered to the joints ; toes long and slender, without marginal mem- 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


79 


branes or basal webs. Bill (five specimeus measured) over 2^ inches long, straight 
and tapering, and stout at base ; the ridge at base of maxilla is high ; the upper man¬ 
dible, a little longer than the lower, is knobbed at end. Three long grooves, one on 
ridge above, and others on each side of maxilla; gape short and narrow. The sexes 
are alike, but female is larger than male. 

Adult .—Length 10 to 12 inches ; extent 15 to 18 inches ; eyes brown ; weight varies 
from 4 to 9 ounces. Legs and bill (dried skin) pale brownish. Upper parts black, 
gray, russet and brown ; chin whitish, rest of under parts brownish-red color of dif¬ 
ferent shades. 

Habitat .—Eastern province of North America, north to the British provinces, west 
to Dakota, Kansas, etc., breeding throughout its range ; no extralimital records. 

This bird, well known to sportsmen, is frequently confounded by the 
casual observer with the Wilson’s Snipe. The error, however, can readily 
be avoided if you bear in mind that the woodcock has entire lower parts, 
including lining of wings, reddish-brown; on the other hand, the snipe 
has abdomen white, throat and upper parts of the breast speckled and 
the lining of the wings barred with white and black. The woodcock 
arrives in Pennsylvania about the middle of March, sometimes earlier, 
and occasionally a few are found during the “warm-spells” of winter 
lingering about the spring-heads. This bird, strictly speaking, is an 
inhabitant of the lowlands and boggy districts of our woods and dense 
thickets. Oftentimes during the fall migrations it is found along the 
muddy shores of streams, etc., or in the late summer when its usual 
feeding-grounds have become dry and hard through the continued sum¬ 
mer’s heat, it resorts to corn fields where it probes the humid soil in search 
of food. I am not positive that the “ Wood-hen, as some aesthetic market- 
women prefer to call her,” makes any attempt to build a nest. In April, 
on three occasions, I have found eggs, and once (May 10) took four 
young, but a few days old, all of which were on the ground in the woods. 
The eggs were deposited in slight depressions in the earth, in and about 
which were dried leaves; the young birds were discovered on a lot of 
dead oak-leaves, and from the appearance of their bed I judge they had 
been there only a short time. It is stated by Dr. Coues “ that the young 
are sometimes removed from danger by the parents carrying them with 
the feet.” The eggs, generally four in number, are grayish-white or 
buff, spotted with brownish and purplish-gray. The woodcock is prin¬ 
cipally nocturnal in its habits, and during the fall migrations it is often 
found in considerable numbers in favorite resorts. 

Nuttall says: “According to their usual habits, they keep secluded in 
the woods and thickets till the approach of evening, when they sally 
forth to seek out springs, paths and broken soil, in quest of worms and 
other insects, on which they feed. They now disperse themselves over 
the country to breed, and indicate their presence in all directions by the 
marks of their boring bills, which are seen in such soft and boggy places 
as are usually sheltered by thickets and woods. They also turn over 
the fallen leaves from side to side with their bills in quest of lurking in¬ 
sects, but never scratch with their feet, though so robust in appearance. 







80 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


The sensibility possessed by the extremity of the bill, as in the snipe, 
is of such an exquisite nature that they are enabled to collect their food 
by the mere touch, without using- their eyes,* which are set at such a 
distance and elevation in the back part of the head as to give the bird a 
remarkable aspect of stupidity.” 

Although this species is very generally dispersed throughout the state, 
it appears, from reports received through different sources, that some 
of the principal localities visited by sportsmen are in the swampy dis¬ 
tricts of Wayne, Bradford, Susquehanna, Cumberland, Crawford and 
Erie counties; also in Clarion and Yenango at different points on the 
Allegheny Yalley railroad, and good woodcock shooting is said to be 
found, in July and August, at the “ Black Swamp,” in Montour county, 
near Danville, on the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad. 

The food-materials of nine woodcock examined by the writer are 
given below : 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 10, 1879 . 

Willistown, Pa... 

Small fragments of ‘ ‘ worms.’’* 

2 

May 10, 1879. 

Willistown. Pa.. 

Small fragments of * ‘ worms. ”* 

3 

May 10. 1879. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Small fragments of * ‘ worms. ”* 

4 

May 10. 1879. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Small fragments of ‘ ‘ worms.”* 

5 

May 10, 1879 . 

Willistown, Pa... 

Chester county, Pa., .... 

Earth-worms and fragments of beetle, t 

6 

July 20, 1882 . 

Spider and unrecognizable insects. 
Insects and larvae. ' 

7 

Aug. 3, 1884, . .. 

Delaware county. Pa., . . . 

8 

Oct. 20, 1882 . 

Schuylkill county, Pa. 

Beetles and earth-worms. 

9 

Nov. 8, 1880 . 

Delaware,. 

Small seeds. 


* All young birds. t Parent of above. 


Genus GALLINAGO Leach. 

Gallinago delicata (Ord.). 

Wilson’s Snipe ; English Snipe; Jack-snipe. 

Description ( Plate 9). 

The body is more slender and head and neck smaller than in Philohela. About a 
quarter of an inch on lower part of tibiae naked; ears under eyes; the three first 
primaries are longest, and the rather long wing is more pointed than that of a wood¬ 
cock ; bill (three specimens measured) about two and one-half inches long, not very 
stout at base, and straight; both mandibles 4 have grooves on sides, extending from 
base to near the end ; in life the bill is vascular, sensitive, and soft toward the end 
where it widens; in dried specimens about one inch of the bill toward end is 
pitted ; short, rounded tail-feathers with transverse bars; toes long and slender 
without basal webs or marginal membranes ; sexes similar. 

Adult. —Length about 11 inches ; extent about 18 inches ; female a little smaller ; 
bill (dried skin) brownish; legs blackish-brown; iris brown; top of head blackish, 

.Tb© eyes, being situated higli up and far back in both tbe snipe and woodcock (well shown in plate No 
9. flg. 1), is a wise provision of nature, as these birds, by this peculiarity, escape many of their enemies! 
It can easily be understood by this arrangement that the field of vision is greatly increased. Obtaining 
their sustenance, as they do, chiefly by probing with their long bills, so amply supplied with nerves, they 
have comparatively little use for their eyes when feeding, unless It is to keep a watch for their numerous 
foes. — Warren. 


































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


81 


with a pale buff' middle stripe, and a streak of same color extends from base of 
. maxilla back over each eye ; chin and upper throat yellowish-white ; neck and breast 
spotted and streaked with black, dusky, and different shades of brown ; belly and 
outer web of first primary, white ; back and upper parts generally blackish varied 
with different shades of brown and whitish ; the pale yellowish edges of scapulars 
form two long stiipes on back, separated by a broader streak of black or blackish ; 
axillars and lining of wings barred with black and white ; sides whitish with trans¬ 
verse dusky bars ; tail feathers chiefly black, with a transverse and broad band of 
bright reddish-brown, succeeded by a narrow black band, and the ends almost 
white ; primaries mostly dark brown on upper surface and paler below. 

Habitat .—North and middle America, breeding from the northern United States 
northward ; south in winter to the West Indies and northern South America. 

This bird, usually, though improperly, called “ English Snipe,” ar¬ 
rives in Pennsylvania about the last week in March, and is common 
until about the middle of May, after which the species is seldom seen 
until the fall migration occurs. Wilson’s Snipe is not found in woods 
or dense thickets, but at times, when sojourning here, is seen about open 
places in wet meadows, swamps, and on the muddy banks of streams 
and ponds, and in the early spring he shows a special preference for 
spring-heads, about which, at this time, the tender blades of grasses 
grow in abundance. These birds are found singly, or in small flocks of 
three, five, a dozen or twenty each. According to my experience these 
flocks, or “wisps” as they are often called, are much more frequently 
met with in spring than at other times, in nearly every section of the 
state, except in the vicinity of Erie city, where I have several times in 
the late fall observed “ wisps ” of a dozen or more. They return here 
from the northern breeding grounds in September, and individuals are 
often seen as late as the middle of November, occasionally during “warm 
spells ” in December and January stragglers have been captured in the 
counties of Chester and Delaware. Their sharp cry of scape, scape, is 
uttered soon after they arise from the ground, and as they fly rapidly 
off in a zigzag manner, which leads many sportsmen to consider them 
as one of the most difficult birds to shoot. Wilson’s Snipe is also found 
in this state as a rare and occasional breeder. Mr. George B. Sennett 
informs me it was found breeding, about ten years ago, in Crawford 
county; Mr. Samuel Thompson, of Erie city, reports having discovered 
a nest and four eggs in June, 1889, in a swamp near the Erie county 
poor-house. In Bradford county Mr. J. L. Camp, of Herrick, also Mr. 
J. M. Ketcham, of Minnequa, have observed it as a rare summer resi¬ 
dent. Dr. H. A. Tingley, of Susquehanna, says it has been known to 
breed in his locality, and Dr. G. A. Scroggs, of Beaver, tells me it has 
been taken in June and July in Beaver county. Individuals of this 
species have been shot in summer near West Chester, also in Delaware 
county, but on examining them I found that, although able to fly a 
short distance, they were so crippled from wounds received during the 
spring shooting season that they were unable to perform any extended 
6 Birds. 




82 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


migrations. Should these cripples remain in a locality during* the sum¬ 
mer months, I have no doubt some of them might reproduce. 

According to Audubon, ‘‘the food of our common snipe consists prin¬ 
cipally of ground-worms, insects and the juicy slender roots of different 
vegetables, all of which tend to give its flesh that richness of flavor and 
juicy tenderness for which it is so deservedly renowned, it being equal 
to that of the woodcock. Many epicures eat up both snipe and wood¬ 
cock with all their viscera, worms and insects to boot, the intestines, in 
fact, being considered the most savory parts. On opening some newly- 
killed snipe, I have more than once found fine large and well-fed ground- 
worms, and at times a leech, which I must acknowledge I never con¬ 
ceived suitable articles of food for man, and for this reason I have always 
taken good care to have both snipe and woodcocks well cleaned, as all 
game ought to be.” 

The food-materials found in viscera of twenty-five snipes examined by 
the author are as follows: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

March 22. 1879. . . 

Birmingham, Pa. 

Water beetles and two seeds of smart-weed.* 

2 

March 22. 1879, . . 

Birmingham, Pa. 

Water beetles and three seeds of smart-weed. 

3 

March 22. 1879. . . 

Birmingham. Pa. 

Water beetles. 

4 

March 22, 1879. . . 

Birmingham, Pa., . . . 

Water beetles. 

5 

March 22. 1879. . . 

Birmingham, Pa. 

Water beetles. 

(5 

March 23, 1879, . . 

Birmingham, Pa., . . . 

Beetles. 

7 

April 1, 1879. . . 

Westchester. Pa., . . 

Earth-worms and fragments of beetles. 

8 

April 2, 1879, . . 

West Goshen, Pa., . . 

Earth-worms. 

9 

April 2, 1879, . . 

West Goshen. Pa., . . 

Earth-worms. 

10 

April 2, 1879, . . 

West Goshen, Pa.. . . 

Beetles and blades of grass. 

11 

April 2. 1879, . . 

West Goshen. Pa., . . 

Various insects. 

12 

April 7, 1879, . . 

West Chester, Pa.. . . 

Beetles and two seeds of smart-weed. 

13 

April 12. 1879. . 

Chester county. Pa., . 

Vegetable matter apparently roots of small plant. 

14 

April 15, 1879, . . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

15 

April 15,1879, .. 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

16 

April 22, 1879, . . 

East Bradford, Pa.. . . 

Portions of grass blades and roots. 

17 

April 1, 1884, . . 

West Goshen, Pa., . . 

Small seeds and earth-worms. 

18 

May 3, 1884, . . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles and earth-worms. 

10 

May 3, 1884, . . 

East Bradford. Pa.. . . 

Beetles. 

20 

-May 6, 1884, . . 

East Bradford, Pa.. . . 

Beetles and earth-worms. 

21 

May 10. 1884. . . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Various insects and vegetable matter. 

22 

April 17. 1883. . . 

Chester county. Pa.. . 

Small seeds.- 

23 

April 17. 1883, . . 

Chester county, Pa.. . 

Small seeds and earth-worms. 

24 

April 17, 1883, . . 

Chester county, Pa.. . 

Vegetable matter. 

25 

April 17, 1883, . . 

Chester county, Pa.. . 

Small seeds. 


* Polygonum. 


Genus MACRORHAMPHTJS Leach. 


Macrorhamphus griseus (Gmel.). 

Dowitcher. 


Description. 

Bill similar to Wilson’s Snipe ; wings rather long and pointed ; about three-fourths 
of an inch of lower part ot tibia bare ; front toes with basal webs especially between 
the middle and outer ; tail double-emarginate with twelve feathers ; Gallina.go usu¬ 
ally has sixteen tail feathers; sexes alike, but plumage varies much with age and 
season. Although this bird has a general resemblance to Wilson’s Snipe, it can 
easily be distinguished from it by basal webs of t^oes ; or even when flying by the 
white markings of lower back. 




















BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


83 


Adult. —Blackish-brown above, varied with reddish and grayish ; rump white; 
tail and its upper coverts blackish, barred with white ; lower parts rusty-red, paler 
or Avhitish on abdomen. Fall birds have upper parts and breast grayish and lower 
part of back and most of under parts Avhite. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, breeding far north. 

Rare spring* and autumnal visitor. Specimens have been taken in 
Chester, Lancaster and Erie counties. This species, when found here, 
is seen singly or in pairs, and never in flocks such as are found about 
the Atlantic coast during migrations. 


Genus MICROPALAMA Baird. 


Micropalama himantopus (Bonap.). 


Stilt Sandpiper. 


Description. 


Bill much as in Oallinago but shorter ; less widened at end and less distinctly 
furrowed on top, sometimes perceptibly curved. Wings long, pointed, first primary 
lopgest; legs very long; tibiae bare an inch ; tarsus as long as bill; feet semi-pal_ 
mate, the front toes being connected by two evident basal webs ; sexes alike.— From 
Coues ’ Key. 

“Adult in summer. —Above blackish, each feather edged and tipped with white 
and tawny or bay, which on scapulars becomes scolloped. Auriculars chestnut; 
a dusky line from bill to eye, and a slight superciliary one ; upper tail-coverts white 
with dusky bars. Primaries dusky with blackish tips ; tail feathers 12, ashy-gray, 
their edges and a central field white ; under parts mixed reddish, black and whitish, 
in streaks on jugulum, elsewhere in bars; bill and feet greenish-black. Length 
8g—9; extent 16-17 * * bill 1.50-1.70 * * * Young and adults in winter 

ashy-gray above, with or without traces of black and bay, the feathers usually with 
white edging ; line over eye and under parts white, the jugulum and sides suffused 
with the color of the back, and streaked with dusky ; legs usually pale greenish- 
yellow. The full breeding dress is of brief duration ; the birds are usually ashy and 
white from September to April, both inclusive.”— Coues ’ Key. 

Habitat. —Eastern province of North America, breeding north of the United 
States, and migrating in winter to the West Indies and central South America. 


Very rare spring and fall migrant. I have never met with this spe¬ 
cies in Pennsylvania. Dr. Walter Van Fleet has observed it in Clinton 
county and Mr. W. W. Stoey, of Harrisburg, mentions the Stilt Sand¬ 
piper as one of the occasional visitors found about the Susquehanna, in 
Dauphin county. 


Genus TRINGA Linnjsus. 

Tringa canutus Linn. 

j 

Knot; Red-breasted Sandpiper; Ash-colored Sandpiper. 

Description. 

Bill straight, short, about inches long ; both mandibles have grooves on sides ; 
legs short and stout; toes short and stout, without any webs, but front toes have 
rather wide margins ; hind toe rather long and slender ; tail feathers aOout even. 






84 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Adult in spring .—Upper parts grayish-brown and many feathers have black cen¬ 
ters with paler edges; rump and upper tail-coverts chiefly white with irregular bars 
or spots of black or brownish ; streak over eye, chin, throat and breast rusty-red; 
belly, flanks and under tail-coverts white or nearly white ; sides whitish with dusky 
streaks ; bill and legs black, eyes brown. Birds both young and old, taken in 
autumn, have upper parts more grayish and less black, and lower parts generally 
white. v 

Habitat .—Nearly cosmopolitan ; breeds in high northern latitudes, but visits the 
Southern Hemisphere during migrations. 

The Robin-snipe or Gray-back, as the Knot is called by hunters on 
the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, where it is abundant during- migra¬ 
tions, is a regular and somewhat common visitor about the lake shore 
and at Erie bay, in Erie county, during the spring and fall migrations. 
In other parts of the state the Knot is seldom seen. 

Tringa maritima Brunn. 

* , ■ , 

Purple Sandpiper. 

Description. 

Bill quite slender and straight or slightly curved down at end. 

“ Winter dress .—Back and scapulars sooty black, strongly glossed with purplish, 
the feathers bordered terminally with dark plumbeous-gray; jugulum uniform 
mouse-gray or brownish-plumbeous. 

“ Young , first plumage. —Scapulars, interscapulars and wing-coverts bordered 
with pale grayish-buff, with little or none of rusty ; length about 9 inches ; (extent 
about 16) ; bill about 1.20 ; tarsus about .99” — B. B. & R. Birds of N. A. 

Habitat .—Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere , in North America chiefly 
the northeastern portions, breeding in the high north, migrating in winter to the 
eastern and middle states, the great lakes and the shores of the larger streams in 
the Mississippi valley. 

This species I have never met with in Pennsylvania, where it occurs 
only as a very rare or casual migrant. Mr. George B. Sennett, of Erie 
city, mentions it as a straggler in his locality. The late Judge Libhart 
records in his report the capture of a Purple Sandpiper in August (year 
not given) in Lancaster county. A specimen in the U. S. National 
Museum was taken many years ago near Philadelphia. 

Tringa maculata Vieill. 

Pectoral Sandpiper; Grass-snipe; Jack-snipe. 

Description {Plate 66). 

Adult .—Length about 10 inches ; extent about 18 ; bill little over an inch long and 
straight; bill (dried skin) blackish, paler toward base; legs dark greenish; eyes 
brown ; upper parts, generally blackish-brown, feathers edged with reddish-brown 
and white or whitish ; chin, upper part of throat and indistinct line over eye whitish ; 
ioreneck and upper part of breast ashy-gray (with sometimes a buff tinge) with 
numerous dusky streaks, rest of breast, belly, sides and crissum pure white. 

Habitat.— The whole of North America, the West Indies and the greater part of 
South America ; breeds in the Arctic regions. Of frequent occurrence in Europe. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


85 


Common spring and fall migrant, arriving, generally, in April. These 
birds, after rearing their young in the far north, return to their winter 
resorts and again make their appearance here in September, and they 
are often found with us in October and the early part of November. 
The Pectoral Sandpiper is found frequently in small flocks (sometimes 
in large flocks) or singly, and often in company with other species, par¬ 
ticularly the Wilson’s Snipe. The Grass-snipe as this species is best 
known to gunners, frequents the same localities as the Wilson’s Snipe, 
but it is oftener seen about low, wet, grassy flats in open fields and mea¬ 
dows than about the shores of streams and ponds. 


Tringa fuscicollis Vieill. 

White-rumped Sandpiper. 

Description. 

Length about7| inches ; extent about 15; bill black at end, much lighter at base 
of lower mandible ; iris brown ; bill about an inch long. This bird although smaller 
is very similar to the Pectoral Sandpiper, from which it can be distinguished by the 
(usually) pure white upper tail-coverts; dusky streaks on foreneck and breast, chin 
and throat with small dusky specks. 

Habitat .—Eastern province of North America, breeding in the high north. In 
winter, the West Indies, Central and South America, south to Falkland Islands. 
Occasional in Europe. 

Very rare spring and fall migrant in Pennsylvania. One of these 
sandpipers was taken in Berks county, near Reading, by Mr. D. Frank 
Keller. I have seen two of these birds in the possession of Mr. C. D. 
Wood, which were captured, he said, along the Schuylkill, near Phil¬ 
adelphia. I have never met with the species in Pennsylvania. 

Tringa minutilla Vieill. 

. 

Least Sandpiper; Peep. 

Description (Plate 78). 

Smallest of all the sandpipers; length about 5| inches; extent about 104 ; bill, 
slender, straight and about l of an inch long. 

Adult spring dress .—Upper parts brownish-black, feathers with dark centers, 
edged with bright reddish or chestnut, and more or less tipped with white ; fore¬ 
neck and breast pale brownish-white with numerous dusky streaks ; rest of under 
parts white. The adults and young in fall are quite similar, but with more white on 
chin and upper throat, and foreneck and breast is light-grayish with a few indistinct 
dusky streaks. This species can easily be distinguished from Semipalmated Sand¬ 
piper by not only its smaller size, but by the fact that its long slender front toes have 
no basal webs as in the Semipalmated. 

Habitat.— The whole of North and South America, breeding north of the United 
States. Accidental in Europe. 

The Least Sandpiper is a common spring and fall migrant in Penn¬ 
sylvania. At Erie bay it is very abundant, being usually seen in large 
flocks, in company with the Semipalmated Sandpiper, and both species 








86 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


are known there by the common name of “ Peeps.” This species is also 
found, often in considerable numbers, about streams and ponds in all 
parts of the state, but is generally more numerous in the interior in the 
fall than during the spring migration. Referring to these, the smallest 
of all our sandpipers, Nuttall says that “ for the discovery of their food 
their flexible and sensitive awl-like bills are probed into the mire, marshy 
soil, or wet sand, in the manner of the snipe and woodcock, and in this 
way they discover and rout from their hidden retreats the larvae and 
soft worms which form a principal part of their fare. At other times 
they also give chase to insects, and pursue their calling with amusing 
alacrity.” 

Tringa alpina paciflca (Ooues.). 

American Dunlin; Red-backed Sandpiper; Black-bellied Sandpiper 

Description. 

Bill and legs black, the former rather stout and slightly decurved. The bill is 
much longer than head (three specimens before me average 1.50); sexes alike. Like 
other sandpipers this species shows great variation in its colors with age and season, 
but adults in the spring may be known by the bright chestnut and blackish feathers 
(many with grayish or white tips), of upper parts, the black colored rump and upper 
tail-coverts, and a broad black patch on belly. The foreneck and upper part of 
breast grayish-white, streaked with dusky, rest of under parts white. The adults 
and young in fall dress have upper parts rather dark ashy-gray ; rump and upper 
tail-coverts much darker (specimens are often seen with reddish and black feathers 
on back, and sometimes single feathers or patches of black on belly). Lower parts 
usually white; foreneck and breast grayish-white streaked with dusky. Length 
about 8| or 9 inches ; extent about 15; eyes brown. 

Habitat .—North America in general, breeding far north. 

Regular spring and fall migrant. The American Dunlin or Red- 
backed Sandpiper is much more numerous at Erie bay, and about the 
lake shore in Erie county, than in any other section of the state. When 
these birds are met with about the gravelly or muddy shores of our 
larger water courses—Susquehanna, Delaware, Allegheny and Ohio rivers 
chiefly—they generally are seen singly or in small flocks, usually in com¬ 
pany with other species. At Erie, in the fall, the Dunlin is a very 
abundant bird, being found in flocks which often number a hundred or 
more. Large numbers of this species, and other shore birds, are killed 
by gunners in the fall (the principal flights occur usually in September) 
along the beach on the peninsula, and about the muddy flats at the 
mouth of Mill Creek, which flows into Erie bay, below the Soldiers’ and 
Sailors’ Home, at Erie city. The Dunlin feeds on worms, insects, small 
bivalve shells, etc., and when fat, is equally as palatable as the snipe or 
plover. 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


87 




Genus EREUNETES Illiger. 

Ereunetes pusillus (Linn.). 

Semipalmated. Sandpiper; Peep. 

Description (Plate 81 ). 

Size small, a little larger than T. minutilla from which in any plumage it can be 
recognized by the basal webs of front toes ; bill and legs black ; eyes brown. 

Adult in spring .—Above grayish-brown, feathers more or less edged with brown¬ 
ish or rusty, and tipped with whitish ; lower parts white, except jugulum which is 
pale grayish-brown, streaked with dusky. The old birdsand young in the fall have 
upper parts more grayish (particularly about back of neck), and less rusty ; lower 
parts white ; jugulum (adult) very faintly streaked with dusky; jugulum (young) 
pale buff without streaks. 

Habitat .—Eastern province of North America, breeding north of the United States ; 
south in winter to the West Indies and South America. 

Common spring and fall migrant, similar in habits, and occurring in 
the same localities as the Least Sandpiper. 


Genus CALIDRIS Cuvier. 

Calidris arenaria (Linn.). 

Sanderling. 

Description. 

Very similar in general character to the sandpipers, but hind toe is absent ; bill, 
about as long as head, stout and straight, end somewhat thickened and expanded ; 
toes short. 

“ Adult in summer. —Above, light rufous, broken by large spots of black, the feath¬ 
ers mostly tipped with whitish. Head, neck, throat and jugulum pale cinnamon- 
rulous, speckled below and streaked above with blackish. 

“ Adult in winter. —Above, very pale pearl-gray (the lesser wing-coverts darker 
anteriorly), relieved only by faint darker shaft-streaks of the feathers. Throat and 
jugulum pure white. 

“ Adult in spring. —Above, light grayish, with large black spots (streaks on the 
crown), here and there mixed with rufous ; jugulum speckled with dusky on a 
white ground. 

“ Young. —Above, pale gray, spotted with black and whitish, the latter on tips of 
the feathers ; jugulum immaculate white, faintly tinged with dull buff. 4 Bill and 
feet black ; iris brown (Aud.). Length about 7.75 to 8.00 inches ” (extent about 
15 inches).— B. B. and R. N. A. Birds. 

Habitat. —Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding in the Arctic and subarctic regions, mi¬ 
grating, in America, south to Chili and Patagonia. 

Common spring and fall migrant at Lake Erie, where it is often seen 
in flocks, frequently in company with the Piping Plover; much less 
common in the interior of the state, where, generally, only scattered 
birds are found, usually, about the shores of rivers, lakes and large 

ponds. 











88 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Genus LIMOSA Beisson. 

Limosa fedoa (Linn.). 

Marbled Godwit. 

Description. 

“ Bill lengthened, * * * slender, and curving gently upwards ; grooved to near 
tip ; the tip not attenuated, but pointed ; the lower almost as long as the upper. Cul- 
men without any furrow. * * * A short basal membrane between the middle 
and outer toes ; hind toe lengthened ; tail short, even. 

“ ftp. ch.— Bill long, curved upwards ; both mandibles grooved ; wings long * * * 
legs long ; tibia with its lower half naked ; toes rather short. * * * Entire upper 
parts variegated with brownish-black and pale reddish, the former disposed in ir¬ 
regular and confluent bands, and the latter in spots and imperfect bands ; in many 
specimens the black color predominating on the back, and the pale red. on the rump 
and upper tail-coverts. Under parts pale rufous, with transverse lines of brownish- 
black on breasts and sides ; under wing-coverts and axillars darker rufous * * * 
tail, light rufous, with transverse bars of brownish-black. Bill pale yellowish, red 
at base ; brownish-black at end ; legs ashy black. Length about 18 inches ; bill 4 to 
5; tarsus 3.”— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat .—North America; breeding in the interior (Missouri region and north¬ 
ward), migrating in winter southward to Central America and Cuba. 

The Marbled Godwit, or Marlin, is a rare and irregular spring- and 
fall migrant in Pennsylvania. Mr. George B. Sennett informs me 
stragglers are occasionally taken in Crawford and Erie counties. A few 
specimens have also been captured in recent years in Lancaster, Phila¬ 
delphia and Delaware counties. 

Note. —The Hudsonian Godwit ( Limosa hcemastica Linn.) is said to 
have been captured many years ago near Philadelphia by the late John 
Krider. I have never met with this bird in Pennsylvania. None of the 
naturalists or collectors whose lists of birds of Pennsylvania are before 
me make any reference to it. 


Genus TOTANUS Bechstein. 

Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.). 

Greater Yellow-legs : Greater Tell-tale; Greater Yellow-shanks. 

Description {Plate 81). 

IJill long, slender, and with deep grooves in front of nostrils; tibke mostly bare ; the 
long and slender legs are yellow ; bill and claws black ; iris brown ; the short and 
rounded tail is blackish with numerous transverse white bars ; upper tail coverts 
white with few brownish bars ; upper parts generally brownish-black (ashy on back 
of neck) with numerous white spots or edging on feathers ; chin, upper throat, lower 
part of breast, abdomen, most of sides and under tail coverts white ; lower neck in 
front and upper breast grayish-brown, with many dusky streaks. Length, bill to 
end of tail about 14 inches ; extent about 25 ; bill about 2| inches, never under 2. 

Habitat. —America in general, breeding in the cold temperate and subarctic por¬ 
tions of North America, and migrating south to Chili and Buenos Ayres. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


89 


Common spring- and fall migrant, but more numerous in the fall— 
from last of August to middle of October—than in spring. At Lake 
Erie this species is often seen in small flocks, but in other parts of the 
state it is mostly found singly or in pairs, inhabiting the same localities 
as the Lesser Tell-tale. The Greater Yellow-legs feeds sometimes, it is 
said, on small fish. A dozen or more of these birds which I have ex¬ 
amined had in their stomach chiefly different kinds of insects, worms 
and small particles of shells. 


Totanus flavipes (Gmel.). 

Yellow-legs; Lesser Tell-tale; Yellow-shanks. 


Description. 


This bird is a miniature of the Greater Yellow-legs ; colors the same. Length about 
10 or 11 inches ; extent about 19 or 21; bill never two inches long, and in three birds 
before me the bills average a trifle less than one and one-half inches. 

Habitat .—America in general, breeding in the cold temperate and subarctic 
districts, and migrating south in winter to southern South America. Less common 
in the western than the eastern province of North America. 


The Yellow-legs, commonly known along the sea-shore as “Little 
Yellow-leg-Tell-tale,” is quite frequently found in Pennsylvania during 
migrations. Although often seen in spring, it is most numerous during 
the last of August and in September. At Erie bay this bird, also the 
Greater Yellow-legs, is quite common from the latter part of August 
until, some seasons, as late as the first week in November. It is gener¬ 
ally found in the interior, singly or in pairs, and sometimes, though not 
often, in parties of five or six. I have often found them about ponds, 
pools, and muddy flats, never along streams of running water, unless 
the borders of such streams were muddy and destitute of grasses and 
other vegetation. Dr. Ezra Micliener, in a list of the Chester county 
birds, published in 1863, says this species is a “ frequent summer resi¬ 
dent.” I have never known this bird to occur in Chester county as a 
summer resident, and am satisfied that it is now found in Chester county 
and throughout Pennsylvania only as a spring and autumnal migrant. 

The food-materials of thirteen of these birds examined by the writer 
are given in the following table: 


No. 


Date. 


3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 
y 

10 

11 

12 
13 


April 30. 1879, 
May 7, 1879. 
Aug. 27. 1879, 
Aug. 27, 1879. 
Aug. 27, 1879. 
Sept. —. 1882. 
Sept. —, 1882. 
Sept. —, 1882. 
Aug. 30, 1882, 
Oct. 10. 1880. 
Oct. 10, 1880, 
Oct. 10. 1880. 
Oct. 10, 1880, 


Localitv. 


Food-Materials. 


Chester county, Pa. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Assomack county, Va. 

Assomack county, Va. 

Assomack county, Va., . . . . 

Brigantine, N. J. 

Brigantine, N. J. 

Brigantine. N. J. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Chester county, Pa... 


Insects, chiefly beetles. 

Small • • worms. ” 

Insects. • 

Insects. 

Insects. 

Small ‘ ‘ worms. ” 

Small * * worms. ” 

Beetles. 

Insects. 

Beetles and “worms." 

Insects and fragments of shells 
Insects. 

Insects 













































90 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Totanus solitarius (Wils.). 

Solitary Sandpiper. 

Description (Plate 10). 

Bill long, straight, slender; maxilla with deep grooves in front of nostrils ; slender 
legs and toes ; basal webs, but that between outer and middle toes much the largest; 
tail rounded and barred with white and blackish; bill blackish; legs greenish ; 
eyes brown. 

Adult , in spring. —Upper parts dark-brown, with faint tinge oi olive ; top ot head, 
and back of neck streaked with white, rest of upper plumage spotted with white; chin, 
lower breast, most of sides, abdomen and under tail-coverts white; front of neck 
white with numerous dusky streaks ; primaries blackish above, paler below ; lining 
of wings and axillars with dusky and white bars. Old birds in the fall and the 
young are very similar to the adult in spring but are duller in color ; the top of head, 
hind neck and most of sides of the latter grayish-brown with few or no faint dusky 
streaks ; chin and upper throat white ; front of neck grayish-brown and white with 
indistinct dusky streaks. Length 8 to 9 inches ; extent 15 to 17 ; bill 1£ inches or a 
little less. 

Habitat .—North America, breeding occasionally in the northern United States, 
more commonly northward, and migrating southward as far as Brazil and Peru. 

Common spring* and fall migrant. Breeds occasionally in a few 
localities. The Solitary Sandpiper, unlike other of the sandpipers 
occurring in this region, appears to have a special fondness for stagnant 
pools in and about the woods. During its spring and fall passage 
through Pennsylvania it is common, frequenting, generally, the muddy 
borders of ponds, pools and sloughs. This species seldom arrives in 
this state before April 25. About the first week in May you find them 
singly, in pairs, and occasionally in flocks, numbering sometimes as 
many as eight or even twelve individuals. In Wilson’s Ornithology, 
the following mention is made of the species: “ I have made many 

long and close searches for the nest of this bird without success. They 
regularly breed on Pocono mountain, between Easton and Wilkes-Barre, 
in Pennsylvania, arriving there early in May and departing in Septem¬ 
ber.” In Cumberland county the Messrs. Baird record it as a native. 
Wilson also states that these birds inhabit the watery solitudes of our 
highest mountains during the summer from Kentucky to New York, 
but are nowhere numerous, seldom more than one or two being seen 
together. Dr. Coues has found “ young birds in July in northern Dakota, 
about the pools of Turtle mountain.” The same writer also states that “ in 
Maryland and Virginia, and in nearly correspondent latitudes in the 
west, I have shot birds in August so young as to leave no doubt in my 
mind that they were bred in the vicinity.” I have never seen a Solitary 
Sandpiper in Pennsylvania in June or July, but that it breeds sparingly, 
and in several localities, there is no doubt. Mr. George B. Sennett, of 
Erie, has several times met with this species in midsummer about streams 
running through woods, in the vicinity of Meadville, Crawford county; 
and Mr. H. C. Kirkpatrick, 'a taxidermist residing at Meadville, says it 
is occasionally found in that neighborhood as a native. Prof. H. Justin 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


91 


Roddy, of Millersville, Pa., writing- (letter) of this species in Perry 
county, says: “ In the latter part of June, 1884, I shot an adult male 
Solitary Sandpiper. There were a pair of them in a swamp, and from 
their actions they were nesting. I devoted a good bit of time in search¬ 
ing for their nest but could not find it. I have no doubt, however, as to 
their breeding.” Dr. Treichler, of Lancaster county, mentions it as an 
irregular breeder; he has found young about half grown in the Cone- 
wago meadows early in July. Dr. Walter Van Fleet, of Renovo, states 
that the Solitary Sandpiper breeds in Clinton, Union and Northumber¬ 
land counties. Prof. A. Kock, of Williamsport, tells me that he is quite 
positive that this bird sometimes breeds in the mountainous regions of 
Lycoming county. Although the bird is common, very little is known 
concerning its nest or eggs. Prof. Robert Ridgway * says, “ Egg (iden¬ 
tification doubtful, but probably correct) 1.32 by .90, dull light-buffy, 
thickly spotted and clouded with rich madder-brown and purplish-gray.” 
Mr. Oliver Davie (Nests and Eggs of N. A. Birds, third edition), says: 
“ In the last edition of this work I mentioned an egg supposed to belong 
• to this species, which I took in an open field bordering the Scioto river, 
near Columbus, Ohio, in the latter part of May, 1887. * * * * The 

egg was of a pointed oval shape, and not nearly so pyriform as are the 
eggs of most of this family, size 1.25 by .88, smaller than the eggs of the 
Spotted Sandpiper. The ground was clay-color with a reddish tinge, 
thickly marked with reddish and blackish-brown. The nest was on the 
ground in as exposed a locality as is ever frequented by this bird. It 
contained two eggs, both far advanced in incubation, only one of which 
was preserved.” 

According to Audubon, the Solitary Sandpiper is expert in catching 
insects on the wing, “ especially the smaller kinds of dragon-flies, which 
it chases from the sticks on which they alight, and generally seize before 
they have flown across the little ponds which are the favorite places of 
resort of this species. I have found their stomachs filled with aquatic 
insects, caterpillars of various kinds, and black spiders of considerable 
size.” 

The food materials of eleven birds examined by the writer are given 
below: 


No. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 
(! 


a 

10 

u 


Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

May 5. 1880.. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Small shells. 

May 6, 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Vegetable matter. 

May 0. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Small “worms.” 

May 7. 1882. 

Chester county. Pa. 

‘ ‘Worms ” and beetles. 

May 7. 1882. 

Chester county. Pa. 

‘ ‘Worms ” and beetles. 

Sept. 21. 1883. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles 

Oct. 5. 1883. 

Chester county. Pa. 

‘ ‘Worms.’’ 

Oct 20 1888 

Schuylkill county. Pa. 

Insects. 

May 111 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and earth-worm 

May 11. 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Dipterous Insects. 

May 11, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Small ‘ ‘ worms." 


* Manual of North American Birds, page lt>t>. 








































92 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Genus SYMPHEMIA Rafinesque. 


Symphemia semipalmata (Gmel.). 


Willet 


Description. 


Size large, bill long, thick and grooved to middle ; legs stout and long ; lower half 
of tibiae bare; toes short and stout with marginal membranes and basal webs con¬ 
necting inner and outer with the middle toes ; tail feathers nearly even. This spe¬ 
cies varies more or less with age and season. Three specimens, male and females, 
(taken in August), before me have bluish black legs, blackish bills, the latter and 
23 inches long. Upper parts brownish-gray, darkest on head and back, streaked 
with dusky, and many of the feathers with whitish edges ; back of neck ashy-gray ; 
foreneck, the sides and portion of breast grayish, with dusky streaks or spots ; chin 
upper part of throat, breast, except on sides, belly and crissum white ; axillars, 
lining of wings, primary coverts and ends of primaries black ; most of the upper 
tail-coverts, most of the secondaries and a large space on primaries, white ; tail ashv- 
white with fine dusky markings. Length about 16 inches ; extent about 28. 

Habitat .—Temperate North America, south to the West Indies and Brazil. 

Rare and irregular spring and fall migrant in eastern Pennsylvania, 
and when observed here is, usually, seen late in August. Mr. Sennett, 
and the Messrs. Thompson, of Erie city, have never known the Willet 
to visit that locality; and none of the naturalists and collectors, whose 
reports are before me, have observed this species in any of the central, 
northern or western counties of the state. I have two specimens, one 
taken in Delaware county (August, 1885), the other was killed by flying 
against a telegraph wire along the Brandywine, in Chester county 
(August, 1887). Dr. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, has secured specimens 
(mostly “after severe fall equinoctial storms” about the Delaware and 
Lehigh rivers. Mr. W. H. Buller, Lancaster county, says: “ The Wil¬ 

let has, occasionally, been killed on the gravel bars along the Susque¬ 
hanna river; the last one, to my knowledge, was captured in the autumn 
of 1878.” 


The Willet subsists, mainly, according to different writers, on worms, 
various aquatic insects, small crabs, minute shell fish, small shells, etc. 






Genus BARTRAMIA Lesson. 

Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.). 


Bartramian Sandpiper; Grass Plover; Field Plover; Upland Plover. 

Description {Plate 68). 

Bill about as long as head and nearly straight; upper mandible with long grooves 
on sides in front of nostrils; neck, legs and tail long ; lower part of tibiae naked ; 
legs rather slender ; toes, especially the hind one, rather long and slender, outer toe 
and middle joined by small basal web ; sexes alike ; no marked seasonal changes in 
plumage. Upper parts mostly brownish-black, most of the feathers with tawny and 
whitish edgings; top of head and back darkest; crown divided by a narrow buff 
line; lower part of back and rump plain brownish-black ; chin and upper throat 
white; neck and breast faint yellowish or whitish with numerous streaks and spots 
of dusky ; lower part of breast, abdomen and crissum white ; axillars and lining of 
wings, barred with black and white ; wing quills black and brown, with white bars 
on inner webs: middle tail feathers darkest, others pale-buff' with bars, spots or 











BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


93 


stripes of white and black ; tip and top of bill blackish, rest yellowish ; legs yel¬ 
low ; eyes brown ; length about 12| inches ; extent about 23. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, north to Nova Scotia and Alaska, breeding 
throughout its North American range ; migrating in winter southward as far even 
as southern South America. Occasional in Europe. 


This bird, known to sportsmen as the Field or Grass Plover, is 
a common migrant and summer resident in Pennsylvania from about 
the 20th of April until September. This species resides during the 
breeding season in grass fields and highlands. In this particular it 
differs from others of its family. Often in the summer these birds alight 
on fences along the roadside, in trees, etc., and raise their long wings to 
their full extent. When breeding these birds are found singly or in 
pairs, and they are then quite unsuspicious, often allowing a very near 
approach before they take to wing or run off and hide in the grass, but 
in the late summer when assembled in flocks they become exceedingly 
shy and difficult of approach. Many gunners who shoot every season, in 
August, large numbers of these delicious game birds, generally go on 
horseback or in wagons in order to get within easy range of their fleet- 
footed, swift-winged and wary game. Nests on the ground, the spotted 
eggs, three to four, measure a little over 1^ inches long by a trifle more 
than 1J inches broad. Its ordinary note is a rather loud yet soft and pleas¬ 
ing whistle, but when breeding it frequently utters a loud, prolonged and 
tremulous piercing scream, which, when heard at considerable distance, 
sounds very much like the sudden cry of a child in great distress. Late 
in July and in August, or when the young are amply able to provide for 
themselves, the plovers collect in flocks of six, eight a dozen, or twenty, 
and sometimes many more, and frequent grass fields and meadows, 
particularly where grasshoppers, which are one of their favorite articles 
of food, are abundant. 

By the last of September but few of the species are found in the in¬ 
terior, as they appear to soon leave the breeding grounds and migrate 
towards the seacoast and large tide rivers. 

In addition to feeding on different forms of insect-life, especially beetles 
and grasshoppers, the plover often eats various kinds of berries and seeds. 
Fourteen of these birds, which I have examined, were found to have fed 
on the following-named insects, etc.: 





1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 
9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 


DATE. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

July —. 1879. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Beetles.* 

July —, 1879,. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Various insects.* 

July —. 1879. 

Willistown. Pa. 

Grasshoppers.* 

June 6, 1880. .. 

Honeybrook, Pa. 

Beetles. 

June 6, 1880. 

Honeybrook, Pa. 

Beetles. 

Sept. 15. 1880. 

Philadelphia Market. Pa., 

Small ‘'worms." 

Sept. 15, 1880,. 

Philadelphia Market, Pa., 

Beetles. 

Aug. 20. 1883. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Grasshoppers and small seeds. 

Aug. 20. 1833. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Grasshoppers. 

Aug. 20. 1883. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Grasshoppers. 

Aug. 20, 1883. 

Chester county. Pa..... 

Grasshoppers and fragments of beetles. 

Aug. 14 1884. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Grasshoppers. 

Aug. 14, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Dipterous insects. 

Aug. 14, 1884. 

1 Chester county. Pa. 

Small seeds and grasshoppers. 


* Young birds. 













































94 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus ACTITIS Illiger. 

Actitis macularia (Linn.). 

Spotted Sandpiper; Tilt-up. 

Description ( Plate 81). 

Bill straight, slender and a little longer than head; mandibles grooved; lower 
third of tibiae bare ; legs rather long; toes long, the outer and middle have basal 
web. Size small; sexes alike ; adults in winter and young very similar. 

Adult.— Length about inches; extent about 13^ ; bill pale yellow, with black 
tip ; eyes brown ; legs pale flesh color. Upper parts grayish or brownish olive with 
greenish or bronzy lustre and irregular spots, streaks, and lines of blackish ; white 
streak over eye ; lower parts white with numerous rounded black spots. The young 
and adults in winter have less metallic lustre on upper Darts, and under parts are 
white or nearly white. 

Habitat.— North and South America, south to Brazil. Breeds throughout tem¬ 
perate North America. Occasional in Europe. 

The Tilt-up, as this sandpiper is universally known in this section, 
arrives in Pennsylvania about the middle of April, sometimes even earlier. 
It is common and indigenous. The nest is placed on the ground in a 
grass field, sometimes in a grain field, or on the sandy bank near streams 
and ponds, along which these birds are commonly found industriously 
seeking their hidden prey. The creamy or buff colored eggs, from two 
to five in number, are spotted and blotched with different shades of 
brown and black. This bird, like other of the waders, places its eggs 
in the nest with the small ends together. Wilson very properly says: 
“ This species is as remarkable for perpetually wagging the tail as some 
others are for nodding the head ; for, whether running on the ground, 
or on fences, along the rails, or in the water, this motion seems continual; 
even the young, soon after they are freed from the shell, run about con¬ 
stantly wagging the tail.” When you approach the eggs or young the 
old birds manifest great concern. They flutter along the ground as if 
injured, and should you follow and attempt to catch them they will lead 
you to a considerable distance from their treasures before flying off. 
Wilson mentions the following instance, which shows the great solici¬ 
tude which the female has for her young: “ My venerable friend, Mr. 
William Barton, informs me that he saw one of these birds defend her 
young for a considerable time from the repeated attacks of a ground- 
squirrel. The scene of action was on the river shore. The parent had 
thrown herself, with her two young behind her, between them and the 
land, and at every attempt of the squirrel to seize them by a circuitous 
sweep, raised both her wings in an almost perpendicular position, as¬ 
suming the most formidable appearance she was capable of, and rushed 
forwards on the squirrel, who, intimidated by her boldness and manner, 
instantly retreated; but presently returning, was met, as before, in front 
and on flank by the daring and affectionate bird, who, with her wings 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


95 


and whole plumage bristling up, seemed swelled to twice her usual size. 
The young crowded together behind her, apparently sensible of their 
perilous situation, moving backwards and forwards as she advanced or 
retreated. This interesting scene lasted for at least ten minutes; the 
strength of the poor parent began evidently to flag, and the attacks of 
the squirrel became more daring and frequent, when my good friend, 
like one of those celestial agents who, in Homer’s time, so often decided 
the palm of victory, stepped forward from his retreat, drove the assail¬ 
ant back to his hole, and rescued the innocent from destruction.” To 
escape capture when wounded the Tilt-up will resort to many devices. 
One day when out shooting along Beaver creek, a tributary of the Bran¬ 
dywine, about two miles from West Chester, I crippled one of these 
birds ; it fell to the ground and ran rapidly to the edge of the stream, 
which at this point was nrobably ten feet wide. The water was about a 
foot deep, perfectly clear, and, except on one side for about eighteen 
inches, was dammed back and remained quite motionless. I approached 
the bird, when, to my great surprise, it plunged into the water and went 
down to the sandy bottom like a stone. It ran on the bottom seemingly 
without any difficulty, and even through the swiftly running water along 
the edge, came up on the opposite side of the stream and thrust its head 
into some long grass, but kept its body submerged. The bird repeated 
this performance three times before I secured it. The Tilt-up is not gre¬ 
garious. 

The Spotted Sandpiper is also known by many as Peet-weet, a name 
given in imitation of its rather shrill cry. This species feeds almost ex¬ 
clusively on insects, such as beetles, flies, grasshoppers, larvae, worms, etc. 

Genus NUMENTTJS Brisson. 

Numenius longirostris Wilson. 

Long-billed Curlew ; Sickle-bill. 

Description. 

“ The largest American species of this genus ; bill very long, much curved ; upper 
mandible longer than the under, somewhat knobbed at the tip ; wing rather long ; 
legs moderate ; toes united at base ; entire upper parts pale-rufous, tinged with ashy ; 
every feather with transverse and confluent bands of brownish-black, most numerous 
and predominating on the back and scapulars ; secondary quills, under wing-coverts, 
and axillaries, bright rufous ; primaries with their outer webs brownish-black, and 
their inner webs rufous, with transverse bands of black ; under parts pale-rufous, 
with longitudinal lines of black on the neck and sides ; tail rufous, tinged with ashy, 
transversely barred with brownish-black ; bill brownish-black ; base of under man¬ 
dible reddish-yellow; legs bluish-brown ; specimens vary to some extent in the 
shade of the rufous color of the plumage, and very much in the length of the bill ; 
the rufous color is probably more distinct in the young. Length about 25 inches 
(extent about 38) ; tail’4 ; bill 5 to 8 ; tarsus 2| inches.”— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat.— Temperate North America, migrating south to Guatemala and the West 
Indies. Breeds in the South Atlantic states, and in the interior, through most of its 
North American ran^e. 








96 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


I have never met with the Long-billed Curlew in Pennsylvania, where 
it occurs only as a rare and irregular migrant, in the spring and fall. 
The late Judge Libhart, in his report, mentions this species as a rare 
visitor in Lancaster county. Mr. D. F. Keller, of Reading, says it has 
been taken in Berks county, and Mr. Thomas S. Gillin, of Ambler, has 
observed it as an occasional visitor in Montgomery county. Dr. Coues 
{Birds of the Northivest ) says: “ Unlike our other two species of curlew, 
the Long-billed is perfectly at home in most parts of the United States, 
rearing its young even down on our southern border. Its northern 
range is restricted, apparently, by the region of the Saskatchewan, as 
intimated by Richardson, and the length of the British Provinces ad¬ 
joining the United States. I was, however, assured of its occurrence in 
Labrador, though I did not see it myself. In New England it appears 
to be rather uncommon, according to all accounts. * * * I found it 

resident on the North Carolina coast, where it undoubtedly breeds. I 
found it breeding with Godwits and Bartramian Tattlers on the prairies 
of Minnesota and eastern Dakota, and likewise observed it in June, ap¬ 
parently breeding, in New*Mexico, near Fort Wingate, just west of the 
Rio Grande. * * * It is by no means confined to the vicinity of the 

water, but, on the contrary, is often seen on extensive dry plains, where 
it feeds on various molluscs, insects and berries, which it deftly secures 
with its extraordinarily long bill. The length and curve of this member, 
gives the bird a singular and unmistakable appearance, either in flight 
or when gathering its food. Its voice is sonorous and not at all musical.” 

Numenius borealis (Forst.). 

Eskimo Curlew; Dough-bird. 

Description. 

“Much smaller than the preceding; bill rather longer than the head, slender ; wings 
long; tail short; legs moderate ; entire upper parts brownish-black, spotted with 
dull yellowish-rufous; quills brownish-black, uniform on both v«bs, without bars 
on either ; under wing-coverts and axillaries light-rufous, with transverse stripes of 
brownish-black; under parts dull-white, tinged with rufous, with longitudinal 
narrow stripes of brownish-black on the neck and breast, and transverse stripes of 
the same on the sides and under tail-coverts ; tail ashy-brown, with transverse bands 
of brownish-black ; bill brownish-black ; base of under mandible yellow ; legs green¬ 
ish-brown ; iris dark-brown. Length about 13^ inches ; (extent about 28) ; bill 2± to 
2\ ; tarsus If.” — B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Eastern Province of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, 
and migrate south to South America. 

Rare spring and fall migrant. A few of these birds are seen every 
year about the shores of Erie bay, where, in October, 1889 , two were shot 
by Mr. James Thompson, of Erie city. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


97 


Family CHARADRIID.®. Plovers. 

THE PLOVERS. 

About a dozen species and two or three varieties of this large and important family, 
containing, it is said, nearly a hundred species of all parts of the world, are recorded 
as occurring in North America. In the eastern United States six species are of regu¬ 
lar occurrence. One—the Killdeers—breeds in Pennsylvania ; the others which 
visit here, are found only as migrants in the spring and fall. Species which 
occur in this state frequent mostly the gravelly and sandy shores of rivers, large 
creeks and lakes, or the muddy banks of ponds ; some, however, are often observed 
about plowed grounds, and in grass or stubble fields quite remote from water. 
They feed largely on an animal diet, consisting chiefly of beetles, grasshoppers, 
“worms,” larvae, fresh-water shells, etc. ; and some, also, occasionally, eat small 
seeds and berries. At times, other than when breeding, Plovers are gregarious, and 
are often found, during migrations, in company with different species of the Shore 
Birds. These birds are strong and swift flyers. They run with great rapidity and 
when migrating some often fly at a considerable elevation. The Killdeers, and per¬ 
haps all, migrate at night. The spotted and pyriform eggs, usually four in number, 
are placed in a rude nest, or, commonly, in a slight depression in the bare ground. 
The eggs, like those of the Spotted Sandpiper, lay in the nests with the small or 
pointed ends together. Plovers have rather heavy and plump bodies, large, rounded 
heads, short, thick necks, and only three toes, except in squatarola, which has a 
very small rudimentary hind toe. The legs and toes are rather short and stout; the 
toes have basal webs. The bill, somewhat like that of a pigeon’s in shape, is short 
and stout. The sexes are quite similar, but the changes with age and season are 
very marked. 


Genus CHARADRIUS Linnaeus. 

Charadrius squatarola (Linn.). 

Black-bellied Plover; Bull-head Plover ; Whistling Field Plover. 

Description. 

Very small, but distinct, hind toe. 

Adult, breeding dress.—(Rarely seen in the U. S.) ; bill, legs, lores, chin, throat 
and front of neck, breast, except sides, most of abdomen and axillars black; upper 
parts spotted with blackish and whitish ; forehead, line over eye, sides of neck, 
sides of breast, tibke, posterior part of abdomen, under tail-coverts and some of upper 
tail-coverts white. 

Adults and young, fall. —Lower parts white, but axillars blackish; upper parts 
blackish, with grayish spots; legs dull bluish ; young have upper parts speckled 
with pale golden-yellow. Specimens are often taken in the fall with single or large 
patches of black feathers on lower parts. Length about 12 inches ; extent about 23 ; 
bill about 1.10. 

Habitat. —Nearly cosmopolitan, but chiefly in the Northern Hemisphere, breed¬ 
ing far north, and migrating south in winter ; in America to the West Indies, Bra¬ 
zil and New Grenada. 

Rather rare spring and fall migrant; when found here is mostly seen 
in the autumn, when it is oftener met with in the vicinity of Lake Erie 
than elsewhere in the state. Generally seen singly, in pairs or small 
parties, never, according to my observation, in large flocks like the 
Golden Plover. I have taken two specimens in Chester county: Dr. 

7 Birds. 








98 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Detwiller has observed this species in Lehigh and Northampton counties 
as a rare visitant, and Mr. Thomas S. Gillin reports it to be an irregular 
migrant in Montgomery county. This plover has also been noted 
either as a straggler or irregular migrant in other 'fcarts of the state by 
the following gentlemen: Dr. Van Fleet, Clinton county ; H. A. Ting- 
ley, M. D., Susquehanna county; D. F. Keller, Berks county; George 
Spencer Morris, Philadelphia county and W. H. Buller, Lancaster 
county. The Black-bellied Plove is mentioned by Audubon, Wilson 
and other writers as breeding in Pennsylvania. It does not now breed 
in this state, but retires to the dreary Arctic regions to rear its young. 
This species feeds on beetles, grasshoppers, worms, etc.; also, occa¬ 
sionally, on different kinds of seeds and berries. 


Charadrius dominicus Mull. 

American Golden Plover ; Field Plover ; Bull-head Plover. 

Description ( Plate 82). 

This bird, very similar to C. squatarola, can easily be recognized by the absence 
of the hind toe and the grayish or white axillars ; the dusky or blackish upper parts 
are usually more brightly spotted with golden-yellow. 

Habitat .—Arctic America, migrating southward throughout North and South 
America to Patagonia 

The Golden Plover is said to be a rather common and regular migrant 
in the vicinity of Lake Erie, especially in the fall, when, frequently, 
large numbers of these birds are shot in the meadows and fields about 
Erie city. This bird is found generally throughout the commonwealth, 
but is very irregular in its visitations, except in the region about the 
great lake to the north of Erie county. 

I have never seen the Golden Plover in eastern Pennsylvania during 
the spring migrations, and as an autumnal visitant it is uncertain. For 
several consecutive seasons none will be observed in certain districts; 
the following season, however, the birds will be found abundantly in 
these same districts. The largest flight of Golden Plovers that I ever 
saw in this section (Chester county) was in the fall of 1880, when flocks 
of from fifty to one hundred were quite plentiful about the plowed 
grounds and grass fields in the neighborhood of West Chester. Mr. 
Francis Jacobs, of West Chester, informs me that about the year 1860 
Bull-head* Plovers were abundant in the Great Valley and in the 
vicinity of West Chester, where, in September, they came in flocks of hun¬ 
dreds and literally covered the fields where wheat had been sown. “ In 
those days the wheat was sown, as but few farmers had drills.” Mr. Jacobs 
states that he has often killed fifteen or twenty at one shot, and, m 
company with his brother, has shot two hundred or more in one day. 


* The name Bull-head is given to both the Golden and Black-bellied Plovers. I suppose the birds men¬ 
tioned by my friend Mr, Jacobs to have been Golden Plovers (Charadrius dominicus). 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


99 


These birds would remain about two weeks, or until the wheat had 
sprouted. They subsisted almost exclusively on wheat. My informant 
states that prior to 1860, for at least fifteen years, these birds annually, 
in the fall, made these visits, and that he had always been told, when a 
boy, that “Bull-heads” were abundant every year. 

Audubon furnishes the following* information of this species: “While 
searching for food on the sand or mud bars of the seashore they move 
in a direct manner, often look sideways toward the ground, and pick up 
the object of their search by a peculiar bending movement of the body. 
They are frequently observed to pat the moist earth with their feet to 
force worms from their burrows. In autumn they betake themselves to 
the higher grounds, where berries as well as insects are to be met with, 
and where they find abundance of grasshoppers.” 

Five of these plovers taken in September and October, 1880, in Ches¬ 
ter county, had fed chiefly on grasshoppers and beetles; one had in its 
stomach a few small brownish seeds, with several large beetles, and an¬ 
other had its stomach gorged with grasshoppers with which were a few 
small black-colored worms. 


Genus ^EGIALITIS Boie. 


JEgialitis vocifera (Linn.). 


Killdeer. 


Description (Plate 11). 


Upper parts grayish-brown; rump and upper tail-coverts brownish-orange or rusty; * 
forehead and under parts white, except two black bands across chest; bill black ; 
iris dark-brown; legs grayish or dull greenish-yellow; eyelids scarlet. Length 
about 9 or 10 inches ; extent about 20 ; tail rounded and about 3| inches long ; bill less 
than an inch long. 

Habitat .—Temperate North America, migrating in winter to the West Indies and 
central and northern South America. 


Reader, I am sure you can always distinguish this bird by the well- 
known cry which gives rise to its common name. Should you, however, 
have the lifeless body of one of these birds, you can without any diffi¬ 
culty distinguish it from other of its numerous relatives by the red eye¬ 
lids and long legs. In addition you will also see a white line, with 
black margin, extending over the bill, between the eyes. The white 
feathers of the throat are continuous, with a conspicuous and immacu¬ 
late collar, below which is a ring of black, separated by a streak of white 
from a band of black across the breast. 

During the spring, summer and autumn the Kildeer is common in 
nearly all parts of Pennsylvania, and in winter it is quite frequently 
observed, particularly in the southern parts of the state. The spotted 
pyriform eggs, usually four in number, are plaoed in a slight hollow in 
the ground, oftentimes near a hill of corn. 








100 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


The eggs, small at one end and quite pointed, measure about 1.50 
inches long by about 1.08 broad. 

“The food of this species consists of earth-worms, grasshoppers, 
crickets and coleopterous insects, as well as small Crustacea, whether of 
salt or fresh water, and snails. Now and then they may be seen thrust¬ 
ing their bills into the mud in search of some other food. During 
autumn they run about the old fields and catch an insect which the blue¬ 
bird has been watching with anxious care from the top of a withering 
mullein stalk. They run briskly after the plowman to pick up the 
worms that have been turned out of their burrows. Now standing on the 
grassy meadow, after a shower, you see them patting the moist ground, 
to force out its inhabitants. During winter you meet with them on 
elevated ground, or along the margins of the rivers ; but wherever you 
observe one about to pick up its food you clearly see its body moving in 
a see-saw manner on the joints of the legs, until the former being so 
placed that the bill can reach the ground, the object is seized, and the 
usual horizontal position is resumed.”— Audubon. 

The food-materials, with date of collection and locality, of eleven 
Killdeers examined by the writer, are given below: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

April 10, 1879. 

Chester county, Pa... 

Snails and beetles. 

2 

April 30. 1879. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Earth-worms. 

3 

June 18. 1879. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

4 

Nov. 14. 1879. 

Lancaster county, Pa. 

Fragments of fresli water shells. 

5 

May 15. 1880, . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Earth-worms. 

6 

May 15. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Earth-worms and larvae. 

7 

Aug. 21, 1880. 

Delaware county, Pa. 

Grasshoppers and small seeds. 

8 

Dec. 13, 1881. 

Chester county, Pa... 

Grasshoppers. 

9 

July 31, 1883. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and larvae. 

10 

July 31, 1883. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

11 

Sept. 20, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Grasshoppers and seeds. 


JEgialitis semipalmata Bonap. 

SemipaLmated Plover; Ring-neck ; Ring Plover. 

Description. 

“Small; wings long, toes connected at base, especially the outer to the middle toe; 
forehead, throat, ring around neck (behind) and entire under parts white ; a band 
of deep black across the breast, extending around the back of neck below' the white 
ring. Band from the base of bill under the eye, and wider frontal band above the 
white band black ; upper parts ashy brown ; quills brownish-black with their shafts 
white in a middle portion ; * * * * shorter tertiaries edged with wiiite ; greater 
coverts tipped with white ; middle feathers of the tail ashv-brown, with a wide sub¬ 
terminal band of brownish-black, and narrowly tipped with w'hite ; two outer tail- 
feathers white, others intermediate, like the middle, but widely tipped with white ; 
bill orange-yellow at base, black terminally ; legs pale flesh color. 

“ Female similar, but rather lighter colored. 

“ Young with the black replaced by ashy-brown, the feathers of the upper parts 
bordered with paler (bill almost entirely black). Total length about 7 inches ; (ex¬ 
tent about 15,) bill 45. to .50 ; tarsus .95,”— B, B. and JR. B. of N. A. 































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


101 


Habitat .—Arctic and subarctic America, migrating south throughout tropical 
America, as far as Brazil and Peru. 

The Semipalmated Plover is a rather common migrant (especially in 
the fall) about the lake shore and bay, in Erie county, where small flocks 
often in company with Piping Plovers and the small sandpipers, are 
seen. The Ringneck, as it is called by some, also occurs more or less 
frequently, usually singly or in pairs, and sometimes in small flocks 
with other species, particularly during the fall migrations along the 
shores of our principal rivers. The Ring Plover arrives in the Erie 
region early in May, and after breeding north of the United States, 
returns again in August, and remains until late in September. This 
little plover can easily be recognized from the next by the extent of the 
web, which extends to the second joint between the outer and middle 
toes. This species, according to different writers, feeds on insects, 
worms, small Crustacea, mollusca and the eggs of fish and other marine 
animals. 


iEgialitis meloda (Ord.). 

Piping Plover. 


Description. 

“ About the size of HZ. semipalmata ; bill short; strong. 

“ Adult male. —Forehead, ring around back of neck, and entire under parts,white ; 
a band of black in front above the band of ^vhite ; band encircling the neck before 
and behind, but usually interrupted in the middle of breast, black, immediately 
below the ring of white on the neck behind. Head above and upper parts of body 
light brownish cinereous ; rump and upper tail-coverts lighter, and often white; 
quills dark brown, with a large portion of their inner webs and shafts white ; shorter 
primaries with a large portion of their outer w ebs white ; tail at base white, and with 
the outer feathers white ; middle feathers with a wide sub-terminal band of brow r n- 
ish-black, and tipped with white. Bill orange at base, tipped with black ; legs orange 
yellow. 

“ Female similar to male, but with the dark colors brighter and less in extent. 

“ Young. —No black band in front; collar around the back of the neck ashy-brown.’’ 
— B. B. and R. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Eastern province of North America, breeding from the coast of Virginia 
(at least formerly) northward ; in winter, West Indies. 

The Piping Plover, an abundant summer resident on the Atlantic 
coast of the United States, breeding, it is said, from the Carolinas north¬ 
ward to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is found in the same localities in Penn¬ 
sylvania as its near relative, the Semipalmated Plover. During migra¬ 
tions the Piping Plover, so called because of rather soft, musical and 
plaintive note, is about as plentiful in the Lake Erie region as the Semi¬ 
palmated, but elsewhere in our state it appears to be quite a rare and 
irregular visitor. I have never met with this bird in any part of Penn¬ 
sylvania except at Erie bay. The late Judge Libhart found it in autumn 
along the Susquehanna, in Lancaster county, where it has, also, recently 



102 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


been observed by Dr. Treichler, of Elizabethtown. Stragglers have 
been taken in the fall, after severe storms from the Atlantic coast, when 
feeding along the shoals and shores of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers, 
by Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Northampton county, and Mr. T. L. Neff 
has found it in Cumberland county. The food of the Piping Plover is 
similar to that of previously mentioned species. 


-fflgialitis wilsonia (Ord.). 

Wilson’s Plover. 


Description. 

“ Bill large and stout, longer than middle toe. 

* ‘A dult male. —Frontal crescent, extending back on each side of the crown to beyond 
the eye, ends of greater wing-coverts, shafts of primaries, and entire lower parts, 
pure white ; crescentric patch covering fore part of the crown, lores, and wide band 
across the jugulum, black ; occiput more or less strongly suffused with oceraceous, 
especially laterally and posteriorly. Upper parts (except as described) uniform 
brownish gray, the remiges (i. e. long wing feathers) darker. 

“Adult female.— Similar to the male, but the black replaced by brownish gray, the 
jugular collar tinged with oceraceous. (The young very similar to female.) Bill 
black ; eyelids grayish; iris brown ; legs and feet pale grayish flesh color. Total 
length about 7.75; extent 16.00; culmen .80 ; tarsus 1.25 ; middle toe .75.”— B. B. and 
B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Coasts of North and South America, from Long Island and Lower Cali¬ 
fornia southward to Brazil and Peru, including the West Indies. Casual to Nova 
Scotia. 

Wilson’s Plover may readily be recognized from either of the two spe¬ 
cies last mentioned, by the rather large head, black, large and heavy 
bill. This species breeds in New Jersey and along the seacoast of some, 
perhaps all, of the south Atlantic states, where, as well as about the 
coasts of the gulf states, it is common, often being found, when migrat¬ 
ing, in small flocks. I have never found this plover in Pennsylvania, 
nor has it ever been seen about Lake Erie by Mr. George B. Sennett. 
The late Judge Libhart, in his ornithological report of Lancaster county, 
says Wilson’s Plover is “ frequent on the beach (Susquehanna) in au¬ 
tumn.” A few stragglers have been captured about some of our larger 
rivers during migrations, and reported to me as follows: James Galen 
and Dr. A. C. Treichler, both of Lancaster county; Hon. Gerard C. 
Brown, York county; W. W. Stoey, Dauphin county; Dr. John W. Det¬ 
willer, Northampton county, and Mr. T. L. Neff, of Carlisle, Cumberland 
county. Their food is said to consist almost entirely of minute shell¬ 
fish, worms and small insects. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


103 


Family APHRIZIDJE. Turnstones, Etc. 

Subfamily ARENARII1SLE. Turnstones. 

- 

THE TURNSTONES. 

Two species of this subfamily, the common Turnstone and the Black Turnstone, 
are found in the United States. They breed commonly in the Arctic regions. The 
common Turnstone is abundant on the Atlantic coast during migrations. The Black 
Turnstone has never been observed on the Atlantic side, but is numerous on the 
Pacific coast “from the Alentian Islands, south to Monterey, California.” The name, 
Turnstone, is derived from its curious habit of turning over small stones, etc., when 
scratching for food, consisting almost entirely of different forms of aquatic insect- 
life. Both species, it is stated, nest on or near the sea beach, and deposit their eggs 
in slight depressions in the sand or shingle. The eggs, said to be two to four in 
number, are described as light olive, spotted or speckled all over with brown. 
Turnstones are rather small-sized birds, but, like a plover, robust in form. The head 
is small, neck short, wings long and pointed, and when folded reach almost to the 
end of the rather shortand very slightly rounded tail. Lower part of tibise naked; legs 
short and stout; four toes, hind one well developed, and like the others has a sharp 
pointed and curved claw; anterior toes have no basal webs. The bill, shorter than 
the head, is stout, hard, much higher than wide, and tapers to a sharp point. Broad 
nasal fossae extend about half the length of maxilla. The sexes are alike, but they 
vary considerably with age and season. 


Genus ARENARIA Brisson. 

Arenaria interpres (Linn.). 

Turnstone; Calico-Back; Calico-snipe, etc. 

Description (Plate 82). 

Adult in spring .—Bill black; eyes brown; legs orange red; throat most of head 
above (except middle of crown, which is streaked with black and reddish) lower 
part of back, some upper tail-coverts, sides under surface of wings, lower part of 
breast, belly and under tail-coverts, white; upper part of back and wings varied 
with black, brown and ferruginous. The greater wing.coverts and some secondaries 
are mostly white; upper part of breast, fore neck, broad patches under eyes; broad 
bars on sides of neck, black. The young have colors much duller with little or no 
black or bright ferruginous. Length about 9£ inches; extent about 181, ; bill little 

less than 1 inch. , t , 

Habitat .—Nearly cosmopolitan. In America from Greenland and Alaska to the 

straights of Magellan; more or less common in the interior of North America on the 
shores of the great lakes and the larger rivers. Breeds in high northern latitudes. 

Specimens of this species have been obtained at Erie bay by Messrs. 
George B. Sennett and James Thompson, where this bird occurs much 
oftener during migrations than elsewhere in Pennsylvania. 

I have seen two or three Turnstones which were killed in the fall, after 
severe storms, in Philadelphia and Delaware counties. This species has 
also been observed about the shores of the Susquehanna by Senator 
Gerard C. Brown, York county, W. W. Stoey, Dauphin county, and Dr. 
A. C. Treichler, Lancaster county. 








104 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Order GALLING. Gallinaceous Birds. 
Suborder PHASIANI. Pheasants, Quail, Etc. 
Family TETRAONID-ffi. Grouse, Etc. 

THE GROUSE AND QUAIL. 

Only two species of this large and important family, containing some of the best 
known and most highly prized game birds, are found in Pennsylvania. These, the 
Ruffed Grouse or Pheasant, and the Quail or Partridge, are reported as natives in 
nearly every county in the commonwealth. Fifty, sixty or more years ago the 
Prairie Hen ( Tympanuchus americanus , Reich.) was, it is stated, rather common in 
certain parts of the state. Dr. Wm. P. Turnbull* writing, in 1869, of the Prairie 
Hen, says : “ Now very rare. A few are still met with in Monroe and Northampton 
counties, where I have shot the species.” In recent years unsuccessful efforts have 
been made to introduce to Pennsylvania, with a view to naturalization, the Prairie 
Hen, the European or Migratory Quail (Coturnix coturnix , Linn.) and the Califor¬ 
nia Partridge (Callipepla cali/ornica , Shaw). The Ruffed Grouse, an inhabitant 
principally of woods and thickets, is most numerous in the mountainous and ele¬ 
vated districts. The Quail, or Bob-white, prefers the open fields, meadows and 
pastures, hence is most plentiful in the fertile and productive agricultural regions, 
especially in the southeastern and some of the southern and western counties. 
Both species nest commonly on the ground, and lay many buff-colored or white 
eggs. The young, covered with a brownish and blackish down, are able to run as 
soon as they are out of the shell, and they possess an ability to hide themselves 
under fallen leaves or in scattered grasses and weeds, which is quite remarkable. 
Both species, when not breeding, are found generally in small flocks of one or two 
families. The Grouse does not appear to be migratory, but the Quail is of a migra¬ 
tory disposition. The flesh of these birds is held in high esteem by epicures. Large 
numbers of both species, particularly Grouse, are killed annually and shipped to 
the markets. They subsist chiefly on a vegetable diet, viz., the seeds of various 
weeds and grasses, cereals, berries, wild grapes, and other small fruits; the buds 
and blossoms of trees and shrubs, the tender shoots of different small plants, etc., 
and in summer they also devour numerous kinds of insects. Pheasants spend most 
of their time on the ground, but they often alight in trees and bushes to feed, roost, 
or to escape from enemies. Often when pursued by gunners Grouse secrete them, 
selves in the tops of high trees, particularly hemlocks, where they frequently remain 
so motionless as to escape the keen eye of the most experienced hunter. Some¬ 
times when these wily birds fly in trees they alight on large limbs, sit lengthwise, 
and so close to the limb as to render it difficult to detect them. At other times they 
perch close to the body of a stately forest monarch, and stand unright—feathers close 
to the body—and with neck stretched to the full extent; but even in this partly un¬ 
covered attitude they are often overlooked, being frequently mistaken for knots, 
bunches of lichens, leaves or rough bark. One is often surprised to see liow T very 
small a large Grouse will appear when frightened and hiding in a tree. Old hunt¬ 
ers, who have made a careful study of both Grouse and Quail, in their natural haunts, 
claim that these birds, during the breeding season, leave no “scent” by which dogs, 
etc., can trail them, as they do at other times. Although the Quail is a resident 
(i. e., found in the same locality during all months of the year), it is, in some parts 
of the state at least, more or less migratory, as is clearly shown by the fact that in 
the fall flocks, sometimes numbering a hundred or more birds, are seen traveling, 
usually, southward. Quails are terrestrial. Coveys huddle close together at night, 
and roost on the ground, and often, like the Grouse, when pursued, they seek shelter 


* Birds of East Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 



















BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


105 


in trees. According to my observations, they do not, as a rule, attempt to hide as 
the Grouse does, in the thick foliage, but perch on a limb—frequently like the 
Grouse, on the opposite side of the tree from which they entered—mostly near the 
body of the tree, and squat close to the bark. In the summer, when the wife is en¬ 
gaged with her domestic duties, it is not uncommon to see Mr. Quail perched 
in an upright position on a fence, uttering his shrill and pleasing whistle that 
has given rise to the vernacular and appropriate name, Bob-white, In Grouse there is 
but little difference in the sexes, though the female, usually a little smaller, has the 
neck-tufts, less developed, and duller in color. The male Quail has line over eye and 
throat patch white ; the female has these parts buff or yellowish, but otherwise is 
similar to male. 


Genus COLINUS Lesson. 

Colinus virginianus (Linn.). 

Bob-white ; Quail; Partridge. 

Description (Plate 12). 

Feathers of crown lengthened and erectile, but not forming a crest as in the 
pheasant. Forehead, streak over eye and throat patch (white in male, buff in fe¬ 
male) light colored, and in male particularly, bordered with black ; neck all round 
reddish-brown varied with black and white, the latter especially showy on back of 
neck ; rest of upper parts reddish-brown varied with black, white, gray and pale 
buff; tail mostly bluish-gray; under parts whitish, with reddish-brown sides 
streaked irregularly with black. Length about 10g inches ; extent about 15. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States and southern Canada from southern Maine to the 
south Atlantic and gulf States ; west to Dakota, eastern Kansas and eastern Texas. 

This species is found in Pennsylvania at all seasons, yet I am fully 
convinced that many of those that breed here migrate in the autumn 
southward. During the fall, and particularly in the month of October, 
I have observed flocks, consisting of several families and numbering 
from sixty to a hundred or more individuals engaged in such migrations. 
Partridges at all seasons other than when breeding are seen in flocks. 
When not migrating we find them in flocks of twelve to fifteen each, 
frequenting fields and swamps usually near the borders of woods or 
thickets, to which they speedily repair when disturbed. Early in April 
these birds pair and about the first of May commence nesting. The 
nest is always placed on the ground, generally in a slight hollow, and is 
constructed chiefly of small twigs and grasses. The nest is usually placed 
in a grass field, concealed by a high tuft of grass or protected by a thick 
overhanging bush. The eggs are white, pear-shaped, and although 
variable, generally number about fifteen. The birds are mainly terres¬ 
trial in habits. In the autumn and winter, when continually pursued 
by sportsmen and dogs, they oftentimes, when flushed, seek refuge in 
trees; they usually alight on a large limb close to the main trunk and 
crouch so close that not unfrequently they escape the notice of the 
eager hunter. A gentleman of my acquaintance some years ago while 
out hunting pheasants noticed a slight movement among some dead 






106 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


leaves in the top of an oak tree, he raised his gun quickly and fired into 
the leaves when to his astonishment down came fourteen partridges 
dead and wounded. Partridges breed readily in confinement, and oc¬ 
casionally, though rarely, become quite tame. 

Although Quail are more or less common in nearly all counties of the 
commonwealth I have found them more abundant, in the hunting season, 
at different points along the Cumberland Valley railroad, the Northern 
Central railroad, and the Harrisburg and Gettysburg railroad (in Frank¬ 
lin, Cumberland, Adams and York counties) than elsewhere in the state. 
Good Quail shooting is also to be had, it is said, in certain sections of 
Mercer, Crawford, Lawrence, and some few other of the western and 
southwestern counties. In many sections of Chester, Delaware and 
Lancaster counties these birds are much less numerous than they were 
five or six years ago. 

The food of this species * consists principally of cereals, various small 
seeds, berries, and in the breeding season insects, chiefly beetles, are 
taken in limited numbers. B. M. Everhart, the well-known naturalist 
and botanist, informs me that four or five years ago he examined the 
stomach-contents of twenty odd Partridges which his brother had shot 
when on a gunning excursion in the Delaware, and found that all the 
birds had fed exclusively on the seeds of skunk-cabbage (Symplocarpus 
fceditus). 

The food of sixteen quails, with date of collection and locality in 
which they were captured, examined by myself, are given in the follow - 
ing table: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality, 

Food-Materials. 

1 

July 21. 1879. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Small seeds. 

2 

July 21. 1879. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Wheat and berries. 

3 

Aug.—, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Small seeds and remains of beetles. 

4 

Aug. 3. 1880,. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Beetles. 

5 

Oct. 20, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Corn and small seeds. 

6 

Oct. 20, 1880,. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Corn and wheat. 

7 

Oct. 20. 1880,. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Corn and seeds. 

8 

Oct. 20, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Wheat. 

9 

Nov. 20, 1880. 

York county. Pa. 

Rag-weed seeds and corn. 

10 

Nov. 20, 1880. 

York county, Pa. 

Corn. 

11 

Nov. 30, 1880,. 

Newark, Del.,. 

Small seeds. 

12 

Dec.—, 1882. 

Newark, Del.,. 

Corn. 

13 

Dec.—, 1882. 

Newark. Del... 

Green vegetable material. 

14 

Dec.—, 1882. 

Newark, Del.,. 

Green vegetable material and small seeds. 

15 

May 20, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Small seeds. 

16 

May 20, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa... 

Small seeds and insects. 


* The Florida Bob-white (G\ V. floridanus, Coues) subsists to a great extent on different kinds of in¬ 
sects. In the months of February. March, April and the first week in May, 1885, when in Florida. I ex¬ 
amined over one hundred of these quail and found that the greater part of their food consisted of different 
forms of insect-life, particularly beetles, small flies and “ worms, ” with frequently small seeds and 
other kinds of green vegetable substances. In the gizzards of nine of these birds, taken late in April, 
were found (one or two in each bird) with other food, small batrachians, the proper name of which is 
unknown to me, but which the natives called • • sand frogs *' or ‘ * rain toads.” 















































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


107 


Subfamily TETRAONDLE. Grouse. 

Genus BON AS A Stephens. 

Bonasa umbellus (Linn.). 

Ruffed Grouse; Pheasant; Partridge. 

Description ( Plate 65). 

Head with lengthened crest; above variously marked with different shades of 
black, brown, gray and whitish ; lower parts much lighter, white or buff, with 
many broad bars of black or brown ; long neck-ruffle of male glossy black with 
violet reflections ; female with neck ruffle smaller and generally more brown. Tail 
oi eighteen long feathers is gray or reddish-brown, with numerous transverse and 
irregular bars. Length about 18 inches ; extent about 24 ; tail 7. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, south to North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi 
and Arkansas. 

The Ruffed Grouse is known generally throughout Pennsylvania as 
the Pheasant, but in some parts of the northeastern counties it is usually 
called “Partridge,” a name by which the quail is commonly designated 
in most parts of this state. The grouse is an abundant resident in the 
mountains, wooded and thinly populated districts of Pennsylvania. In 
the northern tier of counties and also in the counties of Lackawanna, 
Wyoming, Sullivan, Huntingdon, Lycoming, Schuylkill, Clinton, Cen¬ 
tre, Elk, Clearfield, Cameron, Westmoreland, Bedford, Perry, Forest 
and some few more, large numbers of these well-known game birds are 
killed every year. The Lehigh Valley railroad will take you to good 
shooting grounds in Carbon, Luzerne, Wyoming and Bradford counties, 
and excellent sport can be had shooting grouse in the neighborhood of 
Scranton and in the vicinity of Montrose, Susquehanna connty, both of 
which places are reached by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western 
railroad. The Hudson Canal Company’s roads traverse sections of 
Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike counties, where grouse are reported to 
be particularly numerous. The Beech Creek railroad and the Northern 
Central railroad (Elmira and Canandaigua division), as well as the Phil¬ 
adelphia and Erie railroad, go through some of the best Pheasant 
grounds I have ever visited. 

Dr. Coues says: “The ‘drumming’sound for which this bird is 
noted, is not vocal, as many suppose, but is produced by rapidly beat¬ 
ing the wings.” During the breeding season and at other times, if not 
continually harassed by sportsmen, the grouse is tame and unsuspicious. 
The nest is made on the ground, and consists principally of leaves ; it is 
always placed in the interior of woods, and is usually concealed by a log 
or thick bushes. The eggs are a yellowish-white color and number 
about fifteen. I once found a nest with mine eggs, in which incubation 
was well advanced. E. A. Samuels, in his entertaining work, “ Our 








108 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Northern and Eastern Birds” says: “ From several instances which 

have come to my knowledge, I am inclined to think that the female 
Ruffed Grouse, if persistently molested when nesting on the ground, 
avails herself of the abandoned nest of a crow, or the shelter afforded in 



eggs. Two of my collectors in northern Maine have sent me eggs 
which they positively declared were found in a crow’s nest in a high 
pine, but which are undoubtedly of this species; and recently I have 
heard of another occurrence from my friend L. E. Ricksecker, of Penn¬ 
sylvania. The only satisfactory theory that I can advance to account 
for these departures from the usual habits of the grouse, is that the 
birds had been much disturbed, their eggs or young perhaps destroyed; 
and as they are often in th6 trees, and are expert climbers, they laid 
their eggs in these lofty situations to secure protection from their 
numerous foes below.” 

Pheasants are woodland birds, but I have observed, when hunting 
them in the fall, that they often leave the woods and are found feeding 
about the edges of fields, along the borders of woods or thickets. When 
in such places two gunners can, if they are fair marksmen, generally 
have good success, if one goes along the edge of the woods and his com¬ 
panion takes the open territory. Hon. Nathan C. Evans, of Bedford 
county, informs me he has examined the crops of hundreds of these 
birds killed in the fall and ascertained that they subsist to a considerable 
extent on the leaves and blossoms of red clover. Forty-two Pheasants, 
taken in the months of October, November and December, in Schuylkill, 
Dauphin, Warren, Chester, Erie and Lancaster counties, which I have 
examined, were found to have fed mainly on Partridge berries, chest¬ 
nuts, small seeds and other vegetable matter ; ten of this lot—shot when 
the snow was deep—were all gorged with buds of laurel. The stomach 
contents of twenty-two Pheasants, captured in Wayne, Susquehanna and 
Wyoming counties December, 1889, and identified by my kind friend, 
Benjamin M. Everhart, of West Chester, consisted principally of the 
Fern (Aspidium spinulosum , Swartz, var., intermedium , Willd.), and 
False Mitre-wort ( Tiarella cor difolia, L.) with some few leaves and a 
little fruit of the Partridge berry ( Mitcliella repens L.). Wilson writing 
of their food says: “ They are exceedingly fond of the seeds of grapes ; 

occasionally eat ants, chestnuts, blackberries and various vegetables. 
It has been confidently asserted that, after having fed for some time 
on the laurel buds, their flesh becomes highly dangerous to eat of, par¬ 
taking of the poisonous qualities of the plant, f * * * Though 

I have myself ate freely of the flesh of the Pheasant, after emptying it 
of large quantities of laurel buds, without experiencing any bad conse- 


* Prof. John H. Brinton. M. D., of the Jefferson Medical College. Philadelphia. Pa., informed me that 
he had known of several cases of Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) to have been caused by eating 
Pheasants which had fed on laurel.— Warren. 











109 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


quences, yet, from tlie respectability of those, some of them eminent 
physicians, who have particularized cases in which it has proved dele¬ 
terious, and even fatal, I am inclined to believe that, in certain cases, 
where this kind of food has been long continued, and the birds allowed 
to lemain undrawn for several days, until the contents of the crop and 
stomach have had time to diffuse themselves through the flesh, as is 
too often the case, it may be unwholesome and even dangerous.” 


Family PHASIANID.®. Turkeys, Etc. 
Subfamily MELEAGRINgE Turkeys. 
Genus MELEAGRIS Linnaeus. 
Meleagris gallopavo Linn. 


Wild Turkey. 


Description (Plate 74 ). 

Length 3 to 4 leet; extent 4 to 5 feet. Weight varies greatly ; males are said to 
weigh from 16 to 35 pounds, and females from 8 to 14 pounds. Bare skin of head and 
neck blue ; excrescences purplish-red ; legs red ; general color copper-bronze, with 
bright metallic reflections, each feather with a narrow blackish border ; the brownish 
quills are barred with white ; tail-feathers brown-barred with blackish ; upper tail- 
coverts chestnut. Female smaller and much duller in color. The male has a long 
tuft of coarse blackish bristles on middle of breast, and stout blunt spurs. 

Habitat .—United States, from southern Canada to the Gulf coast, and west to the 
plains, along the timbered river valleys; formerly along the Atlantic coast to south¬ 
ern Maine. 

This noble game bird, although rapidly being extirpated, is still found 
in small numbers in many wooded and thinly populated districts of the 
state. I have seen a few Wild Turkeys within the past five years in 
Juniata, Schuylkill, Snyder, Mifflin and Blair counties. The following 
list will show reports received from various gentlemen concerning this 
species in other counties: 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

• 

Bedford. 

L. J. McGregor. 

Resident : most frequently seen in southern part of 
county. 

Bradford. 

J. L. Camp. 

Resident; rare. 

Beaver. 

Dr. G. A. Scroggs. . . . 

One killed here in 1880. 

Berks. 

D. F. Keller. 

Resident; breeds sparingly in Blue mountains. 

Center. 

W. P. Fisher. 

Resident. 

Cumberland. 

T. L. Neff. 

Resident. 

Do. .... 

Prof. S' B. Helgis. . . 

Rather plentiful in North mountains; flocks 7 to 9. 
They are quite numerous in Perry county. 

Columbia. 

Dr. A. B. MacCrea. . . 

Breeds. 

Dauphin. 

W. W. Stoey. 

Resident. 

Elk. 

Capt. A. A. Clay. . . . 

Very rare. 

Franklin. 

H. B. Craig. 

Few still found on North mountain and * ‘ Pine Hills. " 

Lycoming. 

August Kock. 

Resident. 

Do. . 

Charles H. Eldon. ! . . 

Resident. 

Lebanon. 

J. G. Bohn, . 

Resident. 

Do. . 

Geo. R. Ross. 

Resident. 

Luzerne. 

Geo. P. Friant, .... 

A few have been killed in this valley in recent years on 
the range near Pittston. 










































110 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Countt. 

Observers. 

Remraks. 

Luzerne. 

Dr. W. L. Hartman, . . 

Breeds. 

Do. 

James F. Green, .... 

Resident. 

Do. 

David J. Linskill, . . . 

Resident. 

Lehigh. 

J. F. Kocher. 

Resident. 

Monroe,. 

Edmund Ricksecker, . . 

A few still in the county. 

Northampton, . . . 

Dr. John W. Detwiller, 

Resident. 

Northumberland. . . 

Dr. Walter Van Fleet, . 

Few are occasionally seen. 

Perry,. 

H. Justin Roddy, . . . 

Resident; becoming scarcer every year. 

Somerset. 

Dr. H. D. Moore, . . . 

Resident; rare. 

Susquehanna. 

S. S. Thomas,. 

Common fifty years ago. 

Do. .... 

George B. Perry, . . . 

Occasional visitor. 

Venango. 

J. R. Robertson, .... 

About exterminated. 

Warren. 

H. L. Greenland, . . . 

Straggler. 

Westmoreland, . . . 

Chas. H. Townsend, . . 

Resident: few killed in mountains every year. 

York. 

Hon. Gerard C. Brown. . 

Breeds. 

Do. 

Col. J. A Stahle, . . . 

Few found in South mountain. 


The Wild Turkey although more brilliant in color has a very close re¬ 
semblance to the domestic turkey, and some old residents affirm that 
the genuine Wild Turkey is now very rarely seen in this state. They 
believe the so-called Wild Turkeys found in the wooded and mountain¬ 
ous regions to be domestic birds which have wandered off and become 
equally as wild and cunning as the typical Mealeagris gallopavo, which 
in former years was abundant in Pennsylvania. This bird nests on the 
ground ; eggs a little smaller, but otherwise very similar to those of our 
domestic turkeys. The food consists chiefly of cereals, berries, acorns, 
chestnuts, and other vegetable materials. 


ORDER C0LUMBJ5. PIGEONS. 

Family COLUMBIDvE. Pigeons. 

The Wild Pigeon and the Mourning Dove are the only species of this family found 
in Pennsylvania. These birds never lay more than two eggs, which are pure white 
and unspotted. The Pigeon nests in trees, and the Dove is generally found nesting 
in trees or bushes, but sometimes the latter bird nests on the ground. In former 
years Wild Pigeons were abundant in this state, where they bred annually in im¬ 
mense numbers, but for the past six or eight years, but few of these birds have been 
found here, and when now found breeding in this commonwealth they are observed 
in single pairs, or in small flocks. The Dove is common and generally distributed 
throughout the state. When not’breeding Doves are found in flocks ; and in many 
of the southern counties they remain during all months of the year. “The gizzard 
is large and muscular, particularly in the species that feed on seeds and other hard 
fruits ; the gullet dilates to form a circumscribed crop divided into lateral halves, or 
tending to that state. This organ at times secretes a peculiar milky fluid, which, 
mixed with macerated food, is poured by regurgitation directly into the mouth of the 
young ; thus the fabled ‘ pigeon’s milk ’ has a strong spice of fact, and in this remark¬ 
able circumstance we see probably the nearest approach, among birds, to the char¬ 
acteristic function of mammalia.”— Coues. 































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Ill 


Genus ECTOPISTES Swainson. 

Ectopistes migratorius ( Linn. ). 

Passenger Pigeon; Wild Pigeon. 

Description ( Plate 71). 

Length (depends on development of tail) about 14 inches; extent, about 25; tail 
has 12 feathers; bill black ; legs purplish red ; iris red ; upper parts including chin, 
throat and all of head blue ; lower parts brownish-red, fading on belly and white on 
crissum and under part of tail; sides and back of neck glossed with rich reddish- 
purple. The female and young much duller in color, and female is much smaller 
than male. 

Habitat .— Eastern North America, from Hudson’s Bay southward, and west to the 
great plains, straggling westward to Nevada and Washington Territory. 

Wild Pigeons about eight or ten years ago were found in great num¬ 
bers in Elk, Forest, Warren, McKean, Potter and Cameron counties. In 
the region about Emporium, Cameron county, and near Kane, McKean 
county, immense quantities of these birds were killed, packed in barrels, 
and shipped in car loads, to the New York market. Mr. M. M. Larrabee, 
of Emporium, who frequently visited their nesting places or roosts in 
the localities above mentioned, says that they often covered an area of 
several miles in the depths of the forests. 

The Wild Pigeon is now found in most parts of the state as a migrant, 
but a few of these birds breed more or less regularly in different parts 
of the commonwealth. During the last five or six years when seen here, 
usually only single pairs, or very small flocks, have been observed nest¬ 
ing, and we never see large flights of pigeons anywhere in the state as 
in former years. In the fall of 1884,1 saw about three hundred pigeons, 
which was the largest flock I have ever observed in the state. A hunter, 
residing in Potter county, told me he found, in 1888, in the northern 
part of Cameron county, a flock of about one hundred, which he thought 
were breeding in that locality. Reports which I have received through 
the kindness of the following named gentlemen will suffice to show the 
present status of the Passenger Pigeon in Pennsylvania: About 1870 
were very abundant; now very rare ; have only seen one in ten years— 
James S. Nease, Washington county : Occasional visitor, March or April, 
1883, a flock of fifteen or twenty— George B. Perry, Susquehanna county: 
Rare; a few breed here— H. L. Greenland, Warren county: The pigeon 
has nested within the last ten years three times on Potato creek, near 
Smethport, McKean county, but do not think they have been there for 
three or four years past —James A. Teuton ( letter July, 1889), McKean 
county: Rare migrant— J. L. Camp, Bradford county: Straggler— R. 
C. Wrenshall, Allegheny county: Breeds very sparingly in a few locali¬ 
ties in Crawford and Erie counties— George B. Sennett, Erie county : A 
rare visitor— N. F. Underwood, Wayne county : Occasional migrant—Dr. 







112 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


H D. Moore , Somerset county: Small flocks and scattered birds are now 
seen— M. M. Larrabee, Cameron county: In former years Wild Pigeons 
in large flocks were found roosting and breeding in the beech woods 
along Bowman’s creek, in Wyoming county, and in Lake and Boss town¬ 
ships of this county, but in the last six years have seen only small flocks, 
and oftener only single pairs in Wyoming county. Last year (summer, 
1889,) I saw a number of single pairs and their nests in Lake, Boss and 
Fairmount townships in this county— David J. Linskill, Luzerne county: 
No Wild Pigeons through this section since 1875, at which time they 
were very plenty, feeding principally in the mountains. A few stray 
birds have been shot this fall (1889) along the South mountain, which 
causes me to think that they may occasionally breed in this locality, but 
not in such numbers as to attract attention— T. L. Neff, Cumberland 
county : In the year 1856 this neighborhood was visited by Wild Pigeons 
in vast numbers. In the early morning they would fly eastward from 
the Laurel Hill mountains, nine miles east of Mason town, alighting in 
cornfields to feed; and about the middle of the afternoon they would 
commence their return flight to their roosting place in the mountains. 
They would come sometimes in such immense flocks as to almost shut 
out the sky, like a cloud, and two or three hours would pass during each 
morning and evening migration. This occurred in the early part of 
April. Since then there has been two similar visits, but not in such im¬ 
mense numbers, and I cannot now name the years. It has been perhaps 
twenty years since they were seen here in this manner. Formerly, in 
the fall, they would be found feeding upon acorns, but they have become 
very rare of late years— G. W. Linton ( letter July, 1889), Fayette county. 
Mr. J. G. Bohn, of Lebanon, says (letter August, 1889): “ In regard to 
Wild Pigeons, they are birds of the past in our regions. Years ago our 
woods were full of them; in the fall you could count them by the thou¬ 
sands, and here and there you could find them raising young. Our sec¬ 
tion of country is stripped of its massive forests and these birds are 
gone. I have not seen one in my hunts in fifteen years. I even can¬ 
not as much as get a specimen to mount. Mr. Otto Behr, of Lopez, 
Sullivan county, in a letter dated February 28, 1889, says: “The last 
c pigeon roost ’ here was in 1869. * * * They say the nesting ground 
which was along the Mehoopany creek, Wyoming county, four miles 
from here, was seven miles long by two or three miles wide. In 1876 they 
started to build up here again when a snow storm that covered the ground 
for several inches drove them off. Since then they have had no regular 
nesting place here.” Mr. Chandlee Eves, Millville, Columbia county, 
in a letter of September 24, 1889, gives the following interesting infor¬ 
mation of the method employed to capture pigeons: “ About thirty-five 
years ago I used to see a great many Wild Pigeons in the spring, many 
were caught with spring-nets. The party catching them would have a 
‘bow-house,’ or bough-house, to secrete themselves in ; they would have 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


113 


a Wild Pig-eon—called the flyer—with its eyes sewed shut, which they 
threw out, and another which they made hover by means of a string 
from the bough-house. In this way larg-e quantities of pigeons were 
decoyed, and as they were about to alight the net was sprung over 
them. Pigeon catching was quite a business with some. The flyer and 
stool pigeons were kept during the year in cages so as to have a stool 
pigeon to commence with in the spring. No pigeons have been here for 
the last fifteen years.” The nest, generally placed in a tree, sometimes 
in bushes, is a flat and frail platform of sticks, so carelessly placed that 
the eggs, one or two in number, can be seen from below. The eggs 
measure about one and one-half inches long and a little over one inch 
broad. 


Genus ZENAIDURA Bonaparte. 

Zenaidura macroura (Linn.). 

Mourning Dove; Turtle Dove. 

Description ( Plate 71). 

Tail of fourteen feathers ; length about 13 inches; extent about 18 ; bill slender and 
mostly black ; feet purplish-red; eyes brown ; upper parts olive-brown and bluish- 
gray ; lower parts faint purplish or brownish-red, becoming much lighter behind ; 
neck glossed with metallic purple and gold. Female and young somewhat similar 
but duller. 

Habitat. —North America, from southern Maine, southern Canada and Oregon 
south to Panama and the West Indies. 

The only species with which the Mourning Dove, so called from its 
note, can possibly be confounded is the Wild Pigeon, from which it can 
readily be distinguished if the following facts are remembered: The 
dove measures about thirteen inches in length and eighteen inches in 
alar extent; the pigeon about seventeen by twenty-five inches. So, first 
we find a marked difference in size. Secondly, the dove has fourteen 
tail feathers; the pigeon has but twelve ; again, the eyes of the dove are 
brown, while those of the pigeon are red. This bird is found in several 
of the southern counties of Pennsylvania during all seasons of the year, 
and at times other than when breeding is gregarious. During the sum¬ 
mer time it is found generally throughout the state. In March, the 
flocks which have been observed during the winter about the fields and 
orchards, separate and begin their love-making. The nest, a carelessly 
constructed affair, is made up entirely of small sticks, and is generally 
found placed on a large limb of a tree in an apple orchard. On the 
barren ridge, in eastern Pennsylvania, I have on several occasions found 
these birds nesting in pine trees; the eggs are two in number, white 
and unspotted. Sometimes these birds will occupy nests which have 
been deserted by other species. I once, some few years ago, found a 
8 Birds. 








114 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


---- 

pair breeding in the nest of a Green Heron, which had been deserted by 
the original possessors. On another occasion, a nest was found built in 
that of a Crow Blackbird. 

Doves also nest sometimes on the ground. Mr. Frank R. Diffenderffer, 
associate editor of New Era, of Lancaster city, and Prof. H. Justin Roddy, 
also of Lancaster county, both inform me they have repeatedly found 
them breeding on the ground. Doves seldom feed on insects but sub¬ 
sist almost exclusively on cereals, small seeds of different plants, and, 
occasionally, it is said, on various wild berries. The food materials of 
eleven doves which I have examined are as follows: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

Sept. 11, 1880. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Grass seeds. 

2 

Oct. 15, 1880. 

East Bradford. Pa. 

Small seeds. 

3 

Feb. 16. 1880. 

Pocopson. Pa. 

Seeds and other vegetable matter. 

4 

March 6. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Seeds of Amaranthaceaz. 

5 

March 20. 1882. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Wheat and small black seeds. 

6 

April 5, 1882. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Corn and small seeds. 

7 

May 7. 1883. 

West Goshen. Pa.,. 

Wheat and corn. 

8 

May 25. 1883. 

West Goshen, Pa. 

Small seeds. 

9 

June 31. 1883. 

West Goshen. Pa.,. 

Wheat. 

10 

Nov. 29. '1886. 

North Brook, Pa. 

Apple seeds and seeds of grasses. 

11 

Nov. 29. 1886. 

North Brook. Pa. 

Apple seeds and seeds of grasses. 


Order RAPTORES. Birds of Prey. 


Suborder SARCORHAMPHI. Vultures. 


Family CATHARTID.®. American Vultures. 


THE VULTURES. 

These cowardly, ignoble, gluttonous and partly gregarious birds are found in 
abundance in the warmer countries, where, frequently, they are protected by law, 
because of their value as scavengers. Vultures subsist largely on carrion. They 
often collect in considerable numbers around the body of a defunct horse, cow, steer 
or other large sized animal, and gorge themselves until they are scarcely able to fly. 
When, however, their uncleanily repast is finished they usually perch on trees, 
rocks, fences, etc., where they remain in a quiet and sleepy attitude, with the wings 
drooping. Frequently if these birds are wounded, or suddenly frightened when 
feeding, and sometimes when their nests or young are molested, they eject the foetid 
contents of the crop. Two species of the family are mentioned as occurring in Penn¬ 
sylvania ; one, the Turkey Buzzard as it is commonly called, is rather numerous in 
some parts of the state, where it also often is resident. The other species—Black 
Vulture —is found here only as a straggler trom the south. 








































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


115 


Genus CATHARTES Illiger. 

Cathartes aura (Linn.). 

Turkey Vulture; Turkey Buzzard. 

Description {Plate 67). 

Entire plumage brownish-black, and more or less glossy; quills paler on under 
surface ; skin of head and neck naked wrinkled, with scattering bristle-like feath¬ 
ers ; head and neck red ; bill whitish ; legs and feet pinkish; iris grayish-brown ; 
nostrils large and oval. 

Nestlings. —Bare skin of head nearly white ; body covered with white down. 
Length about 30 inches ; extent of wings about 72 inches; wing about 25; tail 12 
inches. 

Habitat. —Temperate North America, from New Jersey, Ohio Valley, Saskatche¬ 
wan region and Washington Territory, southward toPatigonia, casually northward 
on the Atlantic coast to Maine. 

This species is found in some sections of Pennsylvania during all 
seasons, but during the summer months is much more plentiful than at 
other times. The Turkey Buzzard usually rears its young in woods or 
thickets, mostly near streams of water. It makes little or no effort to 
construct a nest; the eggs—never more than two in number, and occa¬ 
sionally only one—are deposited generally in a slight concavity in the 
ground protected by shelving or overhanging rocks. The eggs are yel¬ 
lowish white, spotted with different shades of brown and purple, and 
measure about 2f inches in length by nearly 2 inches in breadth. It is 
stated that this species sometimes breeds in Pennsylvania as early as 
the last week in March. I have found nine nests in Chester and Delaware 
counties during the past seven years; of this number seven were taken 
late in April or early in May, and all contained fresh eggs. The two 
remaining nests, found in June, contained downy young. I am in¬ 
formed that these birds, in Lancaster and York counties, along the Sus¬ 
quehanna river, are annually to be found breeding in small communities 
of a dozen or twenty individuals. This bird will resort for several con¬ 
secutive seasons to a favorite nesting place, and occasionally when its 
eggs are taken will lay a second time in the same nest. The Turkey 
Vulture is very numerous in the southern states, where it resides all 
the year, but in the eastern United States, north of Pennsylvania, it is 
said to be quite rare. Two young which I took from the nest and kept 
in captivity until full grown became exceedingly tame. These birds 
often when feeding, and invariably if approached by a stranger, would 
utter a loud hiss, the only sound which this species, as well as other of 
the American vultures, is known to make. They fed chiefly on fresh 
meat, and also devoured with apparent relish earth-worms, crickets, 
grasshoppers and other large insects; oftentimes they also eat pieces 
of bread, cake and particles of apples or pears which were thrown be¬ 
fore them. The Turkey Buzzard, in its natural state, according to Au- 













116 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


dubon, sucks the eg-g-s and devours the young 1 of herons and other 
birds. I have never known them to disturb either the eg*g*s or young* 
of birds, but have observed that they subsist almost wholly on car¬ 
rion. The benefits which these scavengers render are too well known 
to need any comment. 

The following list, with names of observers, will give a very clear idea 
as to the distribution of the Turkey Buzzard in Pennsylvania: 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

/ 

Adams. 

B. H. Warren. 

Resident; common in summer. 

Bradford. 

J. L. Camp, . 

Never saw one in northern Pennsylvania. 

Berks. 

Jonas Stern. 

Breeds; rare. 

Do. 

D. F. Keller. 

Breeds In Blue mountains. 

Bucks. 

Mrs. M. H. Rice. 

Occasionally in docks; Aug., Sept, and Oct. 

Do. 

S. Edward Paschall, * . . . 

Decidedly rare. 

Chester. 

B. H. Warren. 

Resident: verv common in summer. 

Clinton. 

Dr. W. Van Fleet. 

Straggler. 

Cameron. 

B. H. Warren. 

Straggler: saw one November. 1889. 

Delaware. 

Robt. Townslev. 

Resident; most numerous in summer. 

Dauphin, . 

W. W. Stoey, . 

Resident. 

Brie. 

Geo. B. Sennett. 

Never seen here. 

Franklin. 

B. H. Warren. 

Saw several in December. 1889; breeds. 

Fayette. 

G. W. Linton. 

Breeds. 

Juniata. 

B. H. Warren. 

Saw three in January. 1890. 

Lehigh. 

J. F. Kocher. 

Breeds. 

Do. 

Dr. John W. Detwiller. . . 

Seldom seen. 

Lancaster. 

Dr. A. C. Treichler. 

Resident. 

Do. . 

James Galen,. 

Resident. 

Do. . 

H. Justin Roddv. 

Resident. 

Do. . 

W. H. Buller. 

Breeds. 

Lebanon. . . 

J. G. Bohn. 

Breeds. 

Do. . 

Geo. R. Ross, . 

Resident. 

Lycoming. 

August Kock, . 

Straggler: got two in spring. 

Lawrence. 

B. H. Warren. 

Sa w one October. 1888. 

McKean. 

James A. Teulon. 

Never seen here. 

Montgomery, .... 

W. P. Bolton. 

Breeds. 

Do. .... 

Thomas S. Gillin. 

Migrant. 

Mercer. 

S. S. Overmover. 

Straggler: shot one September 1. 1884. 

Northampton. 

Dr. John W. Detwiller. . . 

Seldom seen. 

Do. .... 

Edmund Ricksecker. . . . 

Straggler, spring and summer; does not breed. 

Northumberland, . . 

Dr. W. Van Fleet. 

Straggler. 

Perry. 

H. Justin Roddy. 

Seen in May. 1880; breeds. (?) 

Philadelphia. 

H. Jamison. 

Occasional visitor. 

Do. .... 

Joseph Price Ball. 

Resident. < 

Do. .... 

Witmer Stone. 

Seen mostly during migrations. 

Do. .... 

Geo. Spencer Morris. . . . 

Straggler. 

Schuylkill. 

M. M. MacMillian. 

Straggler; fall 1883. 

Somerset. 

Dr. H. D. Moore. 

Breeds. 

Sullivan. 

Otto Behr. 

Straggler; seen in 1884. 

Union. 

Dr. W. Van Fleet. 

Straggler. 

Warren. 

H. L. Greenlund. 

Not found here. 

Westmoreland, . . . 

Chas. H. Townsend. 

Very rare, have seen several in an adjoining county. 

Washington, .... 

James S. Nease, . . ^. . . 

Resident. 

Do. .... 

M. Compton. 

Occasional; flock of ten seen September, 1883. 

Do. .... 

M. T. Warrick. 

Occasional; flock of ten seen September. 1883. 

York. 

Hon. G. C. Brown. 

Breeds. 

Do. 

George Miller. 

Breeds. 

Do. 

Casper Loucks. 

Breeds. 


Note.— The Turkey Buzzard breeds in many sections of Chester and Delaware 
counties. Alfred P. Lee has observed it as a common resident in the vicinity of Ox¬ 
ford ; Harry Wilson has found them breeding at different points about Doe Run, and 
also near Parkesburg. Within a radius of about six miles from West Chester, I have 
found them breeding—never more than one pair in a place—in seven different local¬ 
ities in the counties of Chester and Delaware. 


Decidedly raie. and absolutely unknown to most of our people. We are but a few miles from Chester 
county, where the bird is very common, but. Bucks county, is out of its range. 1 made note of having 
seen three (3) buzzards during the season. ’*— E. S. Paschall. 
































































































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


117 


Genus CATHARISTA Vieillot. 

Catharista atrata (Bartr.). 

Black Vulture. 

Description. 

“Adult .—Entire plumage dull black, the quills grayish basally (hoary whitish on 
under surface), their shafts pure white ; bill dusky with yellowish or whitish tip; 
naked skin ot head and foreneck dusky. Length 23-27 ; extent about 54 inches.”— 
Ridgway Manual N. A. Birds. 

Habitat .—South Atlantic and gulf states, north to North Carolina and the Lower 
Ohio valley, west to the great plains, and south through Mexico and Central America 
and most of South America. Straggling north to New York and Maine. 

The Black Vulture or Carrion Crow, as this bird is sometimes called, 
I have never seen in Pennsylvania. Stragglers have been observed in 
Northampton county by Dr. John AV. Detwiller and Edmund Bicksecker, 
and one was taken in Perry county by Prof. H. Justin Roddy. 


Suborder FALCONES. Falcons, Hawks, Eagles, Etc 

Family FALCONID^l. Vultures, Falcons, Hawks, Eagles, Etc. 
Subfamily ACCIPITRINiE. Kites, Buzzards, Hawks, Eagles, Etc. 

THE EAGLES, HAWKS, ETC. 

About a dozen species included in this subfamily are found regularly in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, and of all the numerous species of bird-life occurring in this commonwealth, 
few are better known to our people in general than are the Eagles and Hawks, some 
of which are common at all times, or during some period of the year, in every sec¬ 
tion of the state. With a few exceptions these raptores, as well as most of the owls, 
particularly the smaller kinds of owls, are highly beneficial to the farmer and fruit¬ 
grower, because of the immense quantities of destructive mice and other injurious 
animals, also large numbers of noxious insects, etc., which they devour. The 
majority of these birds build large nests of sticks, twigs, etc., on trees, some, how¬ 
ever, nest on rocky ledges. The Marsh Hawk breeds on the ground, and the Little 
Sparrow Hawk, like the Screech Owl and Woodpecker, breeds in hollow trees. The 
eggs, usually two to five, sometimes more, are generally spotted and blotched, and 
never spherical and white, like eggs of the owls. The adult males are usually 
smaller than the females, and with the exception of the Marsh and Sparrow Hawks, 
are quite similar in color. The young or immature birds, of most species, differ 
greatly from the old. These birds catch their prey with their talons. Their cries 
are loud and harsh. Occasional^' they are seen in Hocks—sometimes containing 
several species—but usually are observed singly or in pairs. The bill is short, stout 
and strongly hooked, the head is completely feathered and without ear-tufts or 
“horns ” like some of the owls ; the tarsus, except in the Golden Eagle and Rough¬ 
legged Hawks, is naked. The feet have long, strong, large, sharp and curved 
claws ; the outer toe, except in the Fish Hawk, is not reversible. The eyes directed 
laterally. 






118 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus ELANOIDES Vieillot. 

Elanoides forflcatus (Linn.). 

Swallow-tailed Kite. 

Description. 

Bill rather small and moderately stout and narrow ; feet small but stout; claws 
short but strongly curved ; wings very long and pointed ; tail long and deeply 
forked. On the wing this hawk looks and moves like a huge swallow. Head, neck, 
band across rump, basal portion of secondaries and entire lower parts pure white; 
interscapulars and lesser wing-coverts purplish-black ; rest of back, wings, and tail 
slaty-black. Bill blue black ; legs and feet dull bluish-yellow ; iris brown. Length 
variable; a female before me measures 24 inches long ; wing 17 ; lateral tail feathers 
12£ inches. 

Habitat. —Southern United States, especially in the interior, from Pennsylvania 
and Minnesota southward, through Central and South America; westward to the 
great plains. Casual eastward to southern New England. 

The Swallow-tailed Kite, or “Wasp-hawk,” as it is commonly called in 
Florida, where it is common, is a very rare and irregular visitor in Penn¬ 
sylvania. A specimen in the museum of the Linnaean Society, at Lan¬ 
caster city, was captured many years ago in Lancaster county. Prof. 
H. J. Roddy obtained one May 27, 1885, in Perry county; and a strag¬ 
gler. was also recently found in Allegheny county by Mr. R. C. Wren- 
shall, of Pittsburgh. In the stomachs of five of these kites which I 
killed in Florida in March and April, 1885, were found several kinds of 
insects. According to different writers they feed principally on grass¬ 
hoppers, beetles, caterpillars, small snakes, lizards and frogs. This 
hawk rarely alights on the ground; its food is captured and eaten when 
on the wing. 


Genus ICTINIA Vieillot. 

Ictinia mississippiensis (Wils.). 

Mississippi Kite. 

Description. 

“ General form short ;.nd compact. Bill short, tip emarginated ; wings long, 
pointed ; tail rather short, emarginated ; tarsi short. 

u Adult.— Upper parts of body dark lead color, nearly black on rump; head and 
under parts cinereous, darkest on abdomen ; quills and tail brownish-black ; * * 

tips of secondaries ashy-white ; a longitudinal stripe on each web of primaries chest¬ 
nut rufous.” (Length of male about 14 inches; extent about 36; female a little 
larger.)— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat .—Southern United States, southward from South Carolina on the coast, 
and Wisconsin and Iowa in the interior to Mexico. 

Rare straggler in Pennsylvania. I have never met with it in this 
state. The only specimen that has been taken here, so far as I can learn, 
within the past twenty years, was captured in Perry county by Prof. H. 
J. Roddy, September, 1886 . 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


119 


Genus CIRCUS Lacepede. 

• 4 . • , ‘ ‘ * 

Circus hudsonius (Linn.). 

Marsh Hawk ; Harrier; Bog-trotter. 

Description (Plate IS). 

Face partly encircled by a ruff or imperfect facial disc of small stiffened feathers, 
as in the owls ; nostrils large ; wings long and pointed ; tail long ; tarsus long and 
slender. 

Male.— Light bluish-gray above and on neck and breast; upper tail-coverts and 
most of under parts white; some under feathers under wings and lower part of 
breast and abdomen spotted with rusty. Female and young are dark-brown above, 
streaked on head and neck with reddish-brown ; below reddish-brown, much 
brighter in some specimens than others ; upper tail coverts white. Length of female 
about 18 to 20 inches ; extent about 44 ; tail 9 or 10 inches ; bill and claws blackish ; 
legs, feet and eyes yellow. 

Habitat. —North America in general, south to Panama. 

The Marsh Hawk is most frequently seen throughout Pennsylvania 
in the spring and fall, but it breeds often in different parts of the state, 
, and in some of the southern counties it is found during all months of 
the year. Its nests, with eggs or young, have been found by the fol¬ 
lowing gentlemen in their respective counties. Dr. John W. Detwiller, 
Northampton; It. C. Wrenshall, Allegheny; H. J. Roddy, Perry; Dr. 
Yan Fleet, Clinton; Geo. S. Morris, Philadelphia; Hon. G. S. Brown, 
York; Otto Behr, Sullivan; W. W. Stoey, Dauphin, and J. L. Camp, 
Bradford. I have observed the Marsh Hawk to be most numerous in 
the fall, frequenting the extensive and grassy meadow-lands, chiefly 
[ about the large streams. 

When flying this species can easily be distinguished from other 
hawks by the white upper tail-coverts, so conspicuous in the females 
and immature birds, or those usually met with. The old male, rare and 
; seldom found in this section, can be recognized by the bluish-white 
plumage. 

The nest of the Marsh Hawk differs from that of all others of the 
family which breed here, in being placed on the ground, and usually, it 
is said, in a swamp or meadow. The nest, according to different 
writers, is composed of sticks, grasses, hay, etc., or sometimes no nest 
! is made, the eggs simply being deposited on a bed of grass, moss, etc., 
on the ground. “Eggs, three to eight, 1.80 by 1.41, white or bluish- 
white, usually plain, but often more or less spotted or blotched with 
pale brown.”— Ridgicay. 

Notwithstanding the fact that these hawks rarely, if ever, prey upon 
any kind of game except sometimes an occasional Reed bird, gunners, 
who so industriously search over the swamps, never fail to destroy every 
Marsh Hawk which comes within range of their deadly weapons. 

Marsh Hawks never, to my knowledge, disturb poultry, but subsist 






120 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. _ 

mainly on field mice, other small quadrupeds, frogs, large insects and 
sometimes, though rarely, they catch small wild birds. In writing of 
the food-habits, etc., of this species Nuttall says: “It frequents chiefly, 
open, low and marshy situations, over which it sweeps or skims along at 
a little distance usually from the ground, in quest of mice, small birds, 
frogs, lizards and other reptiles, which it often selects by twilight as 
well as in the open day; and at times, pressed by hunger, it joins the 
owls, and seeks out its prey even by moonlight.” 

In fourteen examinations made by myself, seven hawks had only field 
mice in their stomachs; three, frogs; two, small birds (warblers); one, 
few feathers, apparently of a sparrow (Melospiza) and fragments of in¬ 
sects ; one, large number of grasshoppers with a small quantity of hair, 
evidently that of a young rabbit. 


Genus ACCIPITER * Brisson. 

Accipiter velox (Wils.). 

Sliarp-shinned Hawk; Partridge Hawk; “Pigeon Hawk.” 

V 

Description ( Plate 14 ). 

A large female of this species measures about 14 inches in length by 26 inches in 
extent. The male is smaller. In adult birds, especially the males, the plumage ol' 
the upper parts is bluish-gray, quite dark on top of head. Iris in adult, reddish 
orange, in young, light yellow. 

Habitat .—North America in general, south to Panama. 

This extremely daring and spirited little hawk is one of the most 
abundant of our North American species. In Pennsylvania during the 
early spring, autumn and winter it is quite plentiful, being frequently 
met with in the mountainous and heavily-wooded districts, as well as the 
cultivated and rich agricultural regions. It is a native, but as such, is 
somewhat rare in many parts of the state. I have taken two nests, both 
built in low cedar trees; these nests were entirely constructed o£ small 
twigs, and were loosely, but firmly, made. The cavity of one nest was 

* Birds of this genus are rather long and slender in form, and they have small heads, short wings, long 
tails and legs. The bluish-black bill is short and stout, maxilla being strongly hooked and sharp-pointed; 
the broad ovate nostrils are insei’ted in the greenish or yellowish cere. The tarsi are feathered in front 
a little less than half the length. Tarsus, especially in velox, is slender and in atricapillus rather stout; 
the toes are long and slender, the outer and middle united at base by a well-developed web. The black 
claws are very long, much curved and sharp; eyes in old birds are reddish-amber and in younger birds 
yellowish. The tarsus is yellowish. Birds of this genus are exceedingly active and vigilant; they tly 
with great rapidity and frequently pursue and catch when on the wing different species of wild birds, 
some of which are nearly as large as themselves. The Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 have seen, capture quail 
when flying, and the fierce Goshawk has often been observed to pursue and overtake Wild Pigeons. 
These, and not, as some suppose, birds of the genus Buteo , are the hawks that usually commit depreda¬ 
tions in the poultry yard and destroy numerous wild birds, particularly Grouse and Quail. The ordinary 
plumage of these hawks is dark brown above (very old birds, which are seldom taken, have upper parts 
bluish), darkest on head, and lower parts whitish, variously streaked and barred with dark brown, rusty 
and pale red. In old Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks the breast, thighs and rest of under parts, ex¬ 
cept crissum and throat which are chiefly white, are white transversly barred with light red. Full-plumaged 
Goshawks have top of head black with light grayish-blue and whitish under parts, with numerous and 
irregular mottlings. streaks, and lines of black, white and dusky. 










BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


121 


quite superficial, but that of the other was well-formed. The eggs—each 
nest contained five—are deposited about the first of May. They are 
nearly spherical, white or bluish-white, marked with large and irreg¬ 
ular splashes or blotches of brown, and measure about 1.46 by 1.16 
inches. Gentry, a close observer and facile writer, remarks in his “Life- 
Histories of Birds,” that the “ eggs, in some instances, are laid on con¬ 
secutive days, but we have positive proofs that sometimes a single day 
is intermitted, and at other times, even two and three days intervene be¬ 
tween each deposit.” In one of my nests I found two days to intervene 
after the deposition of each of three eggs, and the fifth ovum was de¬ 
posited after an intervention of three days. Gentry has found them 
breeding in the deserted nest of the common grey squirrel. Mr. J. 
Hoopes Matlack, of West Chester, informs me he found a pair breeding 
in an old crow’s nest; such sites, however, Gentry advises us, are rarely 
chosen. It is said this species will sometimes nidificate on a ledge or 
rock or hollow and decaying tree limbs. One nest, which I had the op¬ 
portunity of observing from its early commencement, was built by the 
united labor of both birds, which occupied a period of seven days. 
Gentry, who, doubtless, has had a more extensive experience, gives three 
or four days, according to the style, as the time requisite for the con¬ 
struction of the nest. Various writers assert that dry grass, leaves, moss, 
etc., aid in the make-up of the nests; such, no doubt, is the case, but as 
previously stated, I have found sticks and twigs to solely constitute the 
nests. Incubation is alternately engaged in by both birds, which, while 
they show great solicitude for their offspring, repelling all bird intruders 
with the most determined zeal and pugnacity, will, when molested by 
man, show marked timidity, and leave to his desecration their nest and 
its contents. The young are carefully watched and fed by the parents, 
chiefly on a diet of small birds—sparrows principally—until, Gentry 
says, they are about six weeks old, when they are able to provide food 
for themselves. 

According to Nuttall, “ this species feeds principally upon mice, liz¬ 
ards, small birds, and sometimes even squirrels. In thinly-settled dis¬ 
tricts, this hawk seems to abound, and proves extremely destructive to 
young chickens, a single bird having been known regularly to come 
every day until he had carried away between twenty and thirty.” The 
same writer relates a circumstance, where he was one day conversing 
with a planter, when one of these hawks came down and without any 
ceremony or heeding the loud cries of the housewife, who most reluc¬ 
tantly witnessed the robbery, snatched away a chicken directly before 
them. 

Dr. Coues says: “ It preys chiefly upon small birds and quadrupeds, 
capturing in the dashing manner of all the species of this group, and, 
like its small allies, feeds to some extent upon insects.” Since the ad¬ 
vent and alarming increase of the English Sparrow, it is not unusual for 






122 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


the Sharp-shinned Hawk to pay occasional visits to towns and villages 
where he should be heartily welcomed for the destruction he causes 
among these feathered pests. 

The food of nineteen of these hawks which I have examined is given 
in the following table: 


No. 

DATE. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

Sept. 7. 1878. . . 

Chester county, Pa.. . . . 

Small bird ( Melospiza ). 

2 

Sept. 14, 1878, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Quail. 

3 

Nov. 20. 1878, . . 

Newark, Delaware, . . . 

Chicken. 

4 

Feb. 17, 1879, . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Snow bird (Junco). 

5 

May 3, 1879, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Mice ( Arvicola ). [mice. 

6 

Sept. 10, 1879. . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and portions of field- 

7 

May 30, 1880, . . 

Delaware county, Pa., . . 

Chicken. 

8 

June 2, 1880, . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . . 

Chicken. 

9 

June 3, 1880, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Chicken. 

10 

Aug. 23, 1881, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Grasshoppers and beetles. 

11 

Oct. 16, 1881, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Quail. 

12 

Oct. 29, 1881, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Quail and fragments of beetles. 

13 

June 22, 1881, . . 

Lancaster county, Pa., . 

Chicken. 

14 

Oct. —, 1881, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Meadow Lark (Sturnella). ■ 

15 

Dec. 13. 1882, . . 

Chester county, Pa., , . . 

Song Sparrow ( Melospiza ). 

16 

April 3, 1882, . . 

Chester county, Pa., . . . 

Robin (Merula). 

17 

Sept. 20, 1884, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Sparrow (Spizella pusilla). 

18 

Oct. 3, 1886, . . 

Chester county, Pa., . . . 

Sparrow (Passer doviesticus). 

19 

Nov. 26, 1886, . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Song Sparrow (iff. fasciata). 


,Accipiter cooperi (Bonap.). 

Cooper’s Hawk. 

Description (Plate 67). 

Length 18 to 20 inches ; extent about 36; tail about ; male smaller. Immature 
birds have upper parts brownish, more or less spotted with white and reddish brown, 
tail barred and lower parts white with long brown spots. 

Habitat .—North America in general, south to southern Mexico. 

This much detested and commonly called “Long-tailed Chicken or 
Pheasant Hawk,” is a common native ; it is resident, but is not near so 
plentiful during the winter months as throughout the late spring, sum. 
mer and early autumn. 

For impudent daring this species, without doubt, ranks preeminent 
among the raptorial genera. Almost every farmer or poultry raiser can 
reiterate instances of where he or she was the victim of pillage by this 
bold and audacious marauder. In the spring of 1878 a friend presented 
me with a Cooper’s Hawk which he had caught in a steel trap, but not 
until he and his mate had destroyed some fifty young chickens. Dur¬ 
ing one day they killed twelve. “ This marauder sometimes attacks 
birds far superior to itself in weight, and sometimes possessed of a cour¬ 
age and strength equal to its own. As I was one morning observing 
the motions of some Parakeets, near Bayou Sara, in Louisiana, in the 
month of November, I heard a cock crowing not far from me and in 
sight of a farm house. The hawk next moment flew past me, and so 
close that I might have touched it Avith the barrel of my gun had I been 
prepared. Not more than a few seconds elapsed before I heard the cack¬ 
ling of the hens and the war cry of the cock, and at the same time ob- 



















BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


123 


served the hawk rising 1 , as if without effort, a few yards in the air, and again 
falling toward the ground with the rapidity of lightning. I proceeded 
to the spot and found the hawk grappled to the body of the cock, both 
tumbling over and over, and paying no attention to me as I approached. 
Desirous of seeing the result, I remained still until, perceiving that the 
hawk had given a fatal squeeze to the brave cock, I ran to secure the 
former ; but the marauder had kept a hawk’s eye upon me, and, disen¬ 
gaging himself, rose in the air in full confidence. The next moment I 
pulled the trigger and he fell dead to the ground.”— Audubon. 

Like the Sparrow Hawk this bird has been tamed to come at call. 

Nidification commonly is begun about the 20th of April, and lasts for 
a period of from three to five days. Occasionally this bird will deposit 
its eggs in a deserted crow’s nest. I believe they prefer to erect their 
own nests, and, from my observation, am quite positive they only ap¬ 
propriate the nests of other birds when their own have been destroyed. 
The building of the nest is the conjoint labor of both birds. It is usually 
built in a thick woods. When in such a locality is mostly low down, 
yet, when, as is occasionally the case, an isolated tree is selected as the 
nesting site, it is frequently so placed as to render it inaccessible to all 
advances of the oologist. Externally the nest is built of sticks, varying 
much in size. It is generally lined with the inner layer of bark, al¬ 
though, frequently, blades of grass, feathers, and leaves enter into the 
construction of the interior. While certain writers have described the 
nest as broad, with but a slight concavity, I would remark that such 
statement is not in accord with my observations, as I have invariably 
found the concavities to be well marked. 

The eggs measure about 1.92 by 1.50 and usually number from three 
to four, although it is not a rare occurrence to find five. Their color is 
a dull, bluish-white. Exceptional sets are sometimes taken with numer¬ 
ous and unevenly distributed brown or reddish spots. A gentleman of 
my acquaintance once took four eggs from a nest which were void of 
spots. The female, although driven off when the first complement was 
taken, made in the same nest a second deposit of four eggs, and, strange to 
say, the last were all spotted. The period of incubation is given by 
Gentry to be eighteen days. Although in this particular, my observa. 

; tion has been somewhat limited, I am fully persuaded that the time re¬ 
quired for this, likewise other of our Rajoacia, is, certainly, three weeks, 
or over. The young leave the nest in about twenty-five days; when 
about eight or nine weeks old they are able to provide food for them¬ 
selves; to this time, however, they are carefully guarded by the old 
birds, and fed almost entirely on a diet of small birds, young chickens, 
and some few insects. 

Dr. Coues says in speaking of this hawk: “Possessed of spirit com¬ 
mensurate with its physical powers, it preys upon game little if any 
humbler than that of our more powerful falcons. It attacks and de- 







124 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


stroys hares, grouse, teal, and even the young of larger ducks, in the 
state in which they are known as ‘ flappers/ besides capturing the usual 
variety of smaller birds and quadrupeds. It occasionally seizes upon 
reptiles or picks up insects. In securing its prey it gives chase openly 
and drives down its quarry with almost incredible velocity.” 

Thirty-four Cooper’s Hawks, which I have examined, sixteen showed 
the food taken to have been chickens; ten revealed small birds—spar¬ 
rows, warblers and meadow larks—two, quail; one, bull-frogs; three, 
mice and insects; two, hair and other remains of small quadrupeds. 


Accipiter atricapillus (Wils.). 

American Goshawk; Blue Hawk. 

Description ( Plate 83). 

Length 24 inches; extent “about 46;” wing 14±; tail 11§; male smaller. 

Adult. —Above dark lead color, black on top of head; white stripe over eye, and 
more or less indistinct about occiput; tail has four or live indistinct blackish bars ; 
ends of tail feathers whitish ; lower parts pale ashy white, with a faint leaden tint, 
sharply streaked with blackish and finely mottled or barre^ with white. The young 
dark brown above, feathers edged and spotted, with whitish and pale reddish-brown ; 
below yellowish-white and spotted with brown. 

Habitat. —Northern and eastern North America, breeding mostly north of the 
United States. South in winter to the middle States. Accidental in England. 

This fierce and predatory hawk is by no means as common as either 
of the two species previously mentioned. I have observed the “ Blue 
Hawk,” as it is called by hunters and lumbermen, only as a rare and 
irregular winter visitor in Pennsylvania. Audubon found the Goshawk j 
breeding in the Great Pine swamp in this state. Fifteen or twenty 
years ago these hawks, it is said, were very frequently seen during all 
seasons in the counties of Cameron, Warren, Elk, Potter, Wyoming, .j 
Forest and McKean, where they then, it is stated, bred regularly. Mr. | 
M. M. Larrabee, Emporium, Cameron county, says he always met with j 
Goshawks about the nesting places of wild pigeons, but when the 
pigeons left his locality these hawks also departed, and are now seen ] 
there only as rare winter visitors. Mr. Otto Behr, Lopez, Sullivan j 
county, in a letter dated February 28, 1890, kindly furnishes the follow¬ 
ing information showing that the species still breeds in Pennsylvania: 

“ Where we live there is any amount of virgin forest; altitude from 1,600 
to 2,500 feet. The Goshawk breeds regularly in this locality. We 
found the nests of two, at different times, both had one young ready to 
leave the nest, which was built in both cases in the crotch of a beech, j 
and composed of rather large sticks, making a very bulky and coarse 
looking affair. We kept one of the hawks until late in the fall, when 
he broke loose and got away.” Prof. H. Justin Roddy, of Millersville, 
writing to me in July, 1889, says: “I spent two months, last July, in the 
pine forests of Centre county. I there saw A. atricapillus. I did not 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


125 


secure any specimens nor find the nest, but the time of year, the circum¬ 
stances under which I saw them would seem to show that they had bred 
or were breeding*.” Mr. Robert Ridgway states that the eg*g*s, two to 
three, measure 2.31 long by 1.74 wide, and are white or glaucous-white, 
sometimes very faintly marked with pale brownish. 

The following list will give a very good idea of the distribution and 
scarcity of this species in our state. No persons other than those men¬ 
tioned below have made any reference to the Goshawk in reports re¬ 
ceived by the author: 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

Berks. 

D. F. Keller. 

Rare winter visitor. 

Cameron. 

M. M. Larrabee. 

Rare winter visitor. 

Clearfield. 

Dr. L. D. Balliet. 

Occasional visitor. 

Clinton. 

Dr. Van Fleet. 

Rare migrant. 

Chester. 

B. H. Warren. 

Irregular winter visitor : five seen in ten vears. 

Centre. 

H. .1. Roddy. 

Seen July. 1888 ; probably breeds. 

Dauphin. ..... 

B. H. Warren. 

Saw one January. 1887. 

Erie. 

George B. Sennett. 

Rare visitor. 

Lehigh. 

,1. F. Kocher. 

Rare winter visitor. 

Lycoming. 

Charles H. Eldon. 

Straggler in winter. 

Do. .... 

August Kock. ...... 

Rare visitor ; have an immature bird taken in winter 

Lackawanna. . . . 

George P. Friant. 

Rare ; winter; have received three in ten vears. 

Lancaster,. 

Dr. A. C. Treichler. 

Straggler in winter. 

Montgomery. . . . 

Thos. S. Gillin. 

Rare migrant. 

Northampton, . . 

O. B. Hark. 

Straggler. 

Do. . . 

Dr. John W. Detwiller. . . 

Occasional winter visitor. 

Perry. 

H. J. Roddy. 

Shot female June, 1885; probably breeds. 

Sullivan. 

Otto Behr. 

Regular breeder. 

Susquehanna. . . . 

B. H. Warren. 

Saw one December. 1889 

Warren. 

H. L. Greenlund. 

Straggler in severe winters. 

York. 

Hon. G. C. Brown. 

Rare visitor. 


Note.— Mr. Joseph .Krider and other taxidermists in Philadelphia and different 
parts of the state say they very rarely have Goshawks brought to them. 


The fierce nature of this species is well shown in the concluding par¬ 
agraphs from the pen of my highly esteemed friend, L. M. Turner: * 
“ The tracts preferred by this Goshawk are the narrow valleys, borders 
of streams, and the open tundra, which it constantly scans for Ptarmi¬ 
gan and small mammals; the Lemming forming a considerable portion 
of its food. It will sit for hours in some secluded spot, awaiting a Ptar¬ 
migan to raise its wings. No sooner does its prey rise a few feet from 
the earth than with a few rapid strokes of the wing, and a short sail, 
the Goshawk is brought within seizing distance ; it pounces upon the 
bird, grasping it with both feet under the wings, and after giving it a 
few blows on the head they both fall to the ground; often tumbling 
several feet before they stop, the hawk not relinquishing its hold during 
the time. During the mating season of the Ptarmigans many males 
suffer death Avhile striving to gain the affection of the female, for as he 
launches high in air, rattling his hoarse note of defiance to any other 
male of its kind in the vicinity, the Goshawk darts from a patch of alders 
or willows, or from the edge of the neighboring bluff, and with a dash 
they come to the ground, often within a few yards of the terror-stricken 


* Contributions to the Natural History of Alaska, results of investigations made chiefly in the Yukon 
district and the Aleutian islands: conducted under the auspices of the U. S. Signal Service, extending 
from May. 1874. to August. 1881, by L. M. Turner. 






















































126 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


female, who now seeks safety in flight as distant as her wing's will carry 
her. I have seen this hawk sail without a quiver of its pinions, until 
within seizing distance of its quarry, and suddenly throw its wings back, 
when with a clash they came together, and the vicinity was filled with 
white feathers, floating peacefully through the air. I secured both birds, 
and found the entire side of the Ptarmigan ripped open. 

“ On another occasion I shot a fine individual as it rose from a small 
clump of willow, to which I had approached unobserved by the bird. 
It had been devouring a Ptarmigan, which it had secured but a little 
while before. The flesh of the bird was yet warm, though nearly all 
devoured. The Goshawk was only wing-tipped with shot and proved 
to be quite vicious, seizing my boot with its talons and striving to grasp 
my hand with its beak. The bird was so quick that I had to call the 
assistance of a native to detach the claws from my clothing. Upon 
skinning the bird I found its crop to be full of the flesh of the bird it 
was eating when I flushed it. I am under the impression that the Gos¬ 
hawk is not able to fly with the weight of a Ptarmigan in its claws. It 
is a resident of the interior and comes to the coast quite early in spring. ” 


Genus BUTEO* * Cuvier 
Buteo borealis (Gmel.). 

Red-tailed Hawk. 


Description ( Plate 15). 

The adult is easily recognized by the red tail. The tail in young birds is usually 
ashy-brown, with about ten darker bands. Tail in both old and young is generally 

* Birds of this genius, especially borealis and lineatus are the large hawks which we see, particularly in 
the late fall, winter and early spring, frequenting grassy fields, meadows, swamps, etc. These birds are 
the common • * hen hawks ” or “ chicken hawks” as they are usually called ; but such names are highly 
inappropriate, as a very small percentage of their food is poultry. Three species (especially borealis and 
lineatus ) are common residents in Pennsylvania. In order to give a clear idea of the great benefits these 

• ‘ hen hawks ” render the agriculturist and fruit grower, the following extracts, relating to the stomach 
contents of over four hundred, captured during all seasons of the year, in various parts of the United 
States, are taken from Dr. Fisher’s report (Food of hawks and owls, by Dr. A. K. Fisher, assistant or¬ 
nithologist. Annual report of U. S. Dept. Agr., Washington, D. C., 1887); Red-tailed Hawk (B. borea¬ 
lis): Of 311 stomachs examined. 29 contained poultry or game birds; 35 other birds; 203, mice; 55, other 
mammals; 9, batrachians or reptiles; 24, insects; 3, craw-fish; 4. offal; and 29 were empty. Twohundred 
and ten examined by the division contained 270 mice. Red-shouldered Hawk (B. lineatus): Of 102 stom¬ 
achs examined, 1 contained poultry; 5, other birds; 61, mice; 20. other mammals; 15, reptiles or batrachi¬ 
ans; 40. insects; 7, spiders; 3, crawfish; 1, earthworm; 1, offal; 1, catfish; and 3 were empty. Broad- 
winged Hawk ( B . latissimus): Of 22 stomachs examined. 2 contained small birds; 3, mice; 5, other mam¬ 
mals; 8 reptiles or batrachians; 10, insects; and 1, earthworms. The mammals mentioned here refer 
mostly to mice, shrew, moles, some few squirrels and a few other kinds of quadrupeds. These hawks in 
form are stout and heavy; the wings long, wide and somewhat pointed; third, fourth and fifth quills longest, 
the first shorter than eighth, the three outer primaries in latissimus emarginate on innerwebs, and in borealis 
and lineatus the four outer quills emarginate on inner webs. The moderately long tail, conspicuously barred 
or highly colored, is quite broad and slightly rounded; the bluish-black bill is short, wide at base, and max¬ 
illa is lobedon edges. Legs and feet stout; tarsus feathered in front about third of length; thighs have 
long feathers that in some individuals reach nearly to the feet. Tarsi yellowish; cere yellowish or green¬ 
ish; the eyes vary greatly, but are usually brown or yellow. Sexes similar in color; female larger than 
male: immature birds differ greatly from the adults. The flight of these hawks is quite vigorous, andthat 
of borealis, in particular, is often long continued; but they do not fly with the great rapidity of species of 
the genus Acciviter. 










BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


127 


tipped with white. Breast of adult mostly spotted or marked with reddish-brown; 
in the young, breast is pure white enclosed by numerous dark markings. Length 
of male, 19 to 22 inches ; extent of wings, 41 to 47 inches. Female—length, 22 to 24 
inches ; extent, 51 to 55 inches. From a careful examination of over one hundred of 
these hawks, I have found that they, like other of the raptores, not only vary greatly 
in the markings of their plumage, but also show marked differences in the color of 
the irides. The iris of the adult, though usually brown, is sometimes both brown 
and yellowish. In immature birds the iris is commonly straw color, but sometimes 
it is nearly white, and occasionally, though rarely, is brown ; in other specimens I 
have seen one-half of the iris brown while the remainder would be white or yel¬ 
lowish. In immature birds, light-colored irides with specks of brown are frequent 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, west to the great plains. 

This hawk—the most abundant of our raptorial birds—is the detested 
“ Hen Hawk ” of the farmer. The Bed-tailed Hawk is exceedingly shy 
and wary, and is taken with difficulty, unless approached on horse back 
or in a sleigh or wagon. Red-tailed Hawks in their fall migrations are 
gregarious. One clear, cold autumn afternoon in 1876, I saw, near West 
Chester, a flock of these hawks. The sky was destitute of clouds, ex¬ 
cept a cumulus stratum directly beneath, and apparently about half way 
between the hawks and the earth. In the center of this vapor was an 
opening of sufficient size to enable me to watch the gyrations of the 
birds; two of them suddenly separated from the main body, approached 
each other screaming, and apparently in great rage. They descended 
screaming, and, to all appearances, clinched, to within about one hundred 
yards of the earth, when they parted. Evidently neither bird had re¬ 
ceived much injury, as they both, after taking short flights across the 
meadow, ascended in company with two or three of their companions 
that had accompanied them part way down, to-the main body. Another 
individual closed his wings until the body presented a triangular outline, 

| descended with almost lightening-like rapidity to the top of a sycamore, 
where it alighted, and remained for some seconds pluming itself. This 
party of hawks, after performing for nearly twenty minutes, these, and 
numerous other serial antics, continued their southern flight. Combats 
in midair are quite common among Red-tailed Hawks. I have repeat¬ 
edly witnessed such battles, and am fully convinced that in the great 
majority of cases food is the incentive to such action. Illustrative of the 
superior vision of this hawk—and the same applies to other of the Ra- 
rpacia —the following is given, as observed by the writer: A clear morn¬ 
ing early in March, I saw a Red-tail circling over the meadows; every 
5 circle took him higher and higher in the air, until at an altitude where 
he appeared no larger than a blackbird, he stopped, and with nearly 
! closed wings, descended like an arrow to a tree near by me ; from this 
perch, almost the same instant he had alighted, he flew to the ground 
and snatched from its grassy covert a mouse. The momentum with 
which this bird passed through the atmosphere produced a sound not 
very unlike that of the rush of distant water. This species when wounded, 







128 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


like all other rapacious birds, will defend itself with its claws and bill 
against all advances. A stick or gun barrel presented to it, when crip¬ 
pled, will be grasped, and the bird can be carried pendant from the same 
a considerable distance before it will loose its hold. With such tenacity 
do they hold on that a friend of mine who had winged one, in his en¬ 
deavors to capture it alive, had the bird to fasten on his forearm with 
both claws; to relieve himself he was obliged to take out his penknife 
and sever the tendons of both legs. 

Nest building generally occurs in March and lasts from eight to 
fifteen days. The nest is built in the woods, commonly on a large oak 
or hickory tree. A pair of these hawks resorted for five consecutive 
years to a large oak tree (Quercus tinctoria), for nesting purposes, in a 
belt of timber adjacent to the far-famed Deborah s Rock, East Bradford 
township. The nest a rather bulky structure, is made, externally, of 
sticks and twigs, some of the former being an inch in thickness; inter¬ 
nally, it is lined with leaves and the inner layer of bark—usually from 
the oak and chestnut trees. This lining of bark is frequently torn in 
shreds. 

Certain ornithologists, Audubon among the number, have found five 
eggs in their nests. I have, however, mostly found two, and on no 
occasion have I found more than three to constitute the full complement. 
The eggs, about 2.40 by 1.85 inches, vary much in their markings. Their 1 
ground color is a dull white or rusty white, marked with minute brown 
spots, or with large purplish dark-brown blotches, often covering the 
greater part of the egg. Incubation lasts about three weeks. Certain 
writers claim that this species will boldly defend invasion of its home 
on the part of man. Such may have been the experience of others, but 
such statement is the reverse of my experience. I have taken both eggs 
and young, and, as yet, I have encountered no opposition; but have 
found them cowardly, flying away, in fact, beyond gunshot at my ap¬ 
proach, uttering cries of distress, and seemingly to engage in mutual 
condolence over their misfortune. 

During the breeding season they frequently hunt together for food for 
themselves and young, “ and if, perchance, they spy a squirrel on a tree, 
one will drive it while the other poises itself ready to seize it if it dodges 
to the other side to evade the grasp of the first hawk. From the two 
there is no escape. Grasping it firmly by the neck, the assailant prac¬ 
tically demonstrates the possibility of garroting its victim, when the ill- 
fated squirrel is carried to the eyry and torn to pieces to satiate the 
cravings of their rapacious young.’ —Wood. In consequence of limited 
space it is impracticable to give in detail the results of dissections which 
I have made of this species, but would state briefly that my examina¬ 
tions of one hundred and seventy-three Red-tails captured in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, chiefly in Chester county, revealed in one hundred and twenty- 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


129 


eight, principally field-mice ( Arvicola) and other small quadrupeds, also 
some few small birds; in nine of these one hundred and twenty-eight 
hawks, small birds were present in addition to the quadrupeds. Four¬ 
teen had fed on chickens; six, small birds—meadowlarks and sparrows; 
six, rabbits; three, quail; three, red squirrels; three, mice and insects; 
three, snakes; two, remains of skunk; two, carrion; one, ham skin; one, 
meat, probably beef. I have repeatedly found three and four mice in 
the viscera of one bird, oftentimes five, and in a few instances as many 
as seven of these destructive little rodents were obtained from the crop 
and stomach of one hawk. 

Note. —Harlan’s Hawk (Buteo harlani, Aud.) mentioned, page 237, in first edi¬ 
tion of Birds of Pennsylvania , is not a distinct species but a race or “form ” of the 
Red-tail. The technical name of Harlan’s Hawk should be, Mr. Ridgway says, 
Buteo borealis harlani (Aud.). See Auk. Vol. vii, No. 2, p. 205. The only specimen 
of this variety of the Red-tailed Hawk which I have heard of in Pennsylvania was a 
female captured by Dr. W. Van Fleet, of Renovo, in January, 1875, near Watson- 
town, Northumberland county. 


Buteo lineatus (Gmel.). 

Red-shouldered Hawk ; Winter Falcon. 

Description. 

Total length: Female, 21 to 23 inches; extent about 44 inches; wing 14; tail 9 
inches. Male, 18 to 20 inches ; extent about 40 ; wing, 12 ; tail, 8 inches. 

Adult .—Shoulders rich reddish-brown, rest of upper parts blackish, spotted with 
reddish-brown, white and dusky; primaries blackish above and spotted with white ; 
tail with three or four broad black bars, between which are narrow white bands, tip 
of tail whitish ; under parts reddish-brown more or less streaked with dusky and 
barred with white. 

Young. —The upper parts brownish varied with rusty and whitish. The shoulders 
in many specimens show considerable red ; tail brownish with several small blackish 
bars, lower parts white and yellowish-white, with stripes and large oblong spots of 
brown. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, west to Texas and the plains, south to the Gulf 
coast and Mexico. 

During the winter these hawks frequent principally the large water 
courses, meadow-lands, and the vicinity of ponds, and not unfrequently 
an individual of this species can be observed on its perch overlooking a 
spring-head. When the streams and meadows are frozen I have noticed 
that they especially resort to such localities as last named. When dis¬ 
turbed from its perch it utters, in a plaintive and impatient voice, the 
note, heeo , keeo. Its flight, generally short, is graceful and very owl¬ 
like. This hawk, like its relative, the Red-tail, may be observed sit¬ 
ting by the hour on some favorite tree or stake adjacent to swampy 
9 Birds. 




130 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


or boggy ground, watching for small quadrupeds and batrachians, which 
constitute its principal fare. 

Like other birds of this genus, the Red-shouldered Hawk nests in 
trees, usually in April and May in this locality. The eggs, two to four 
in number, are very similar to those of the Red-tail, but smaller. Young 
birds, which are known to many as Winter Falcons, are, according to 
my experience, much more frequently met with than full-plumaged 
adults. Nuttall remarks that this hawk lives principally on frogs, and 
probably insects and cray-fish in the winter. Gentry tells us that the 
food of the young consists of fragments of quadrupeds, besides an im¬ 
mense number of young grasshoppers and beetles. In my examinations 
of fifty-seven of these hawks which have been captured in Pennsylvania, 
forty-three showed field-mice, some few other small quadrupeds, grass¬ 
hoppers and insects, mostly beetles; nine revealed frogs and insects; 
two, small birds, remains of small mammals and a few beetles; two, 
snakes and portions of frogs. The gizzard of one bird contained a few 
hairs of a field-mouse and some long black hair which appeared very 
much like that of a skunk. The bird on dissection gave a very decided 
odor of skunk. In two of these hawks, shot in Florida, I found in one 
portions of a small catfish, and in the other remains of a small mammal 
and some few coleopterous insects (beetles). 


Buteo latissimus (Wils.). 

Broad-winged Hawk. 

Description (Plate 16, Fig. 1). 

Length of female about 17 ; extent about 36; tail about 7| inches. 

Adult .—Upper parts umber-brown, and many feathers edged with rusty or 
whitish; tail crossed by three black and two white bands, and narrow white tip, 
lower parts white or yellowish white, variously streaked and spotted with rusty. 
Young are duller, showy dark cheek patches; tail, grayish-brown, with whitish 
tips and crossed with five or six indistinct dusky bands; lower parts similar to 
adult but paler and spotted or streaked with black and dusky. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, from New Brunswick and the Saskatchewan 
region to Texas and Mexico, and thence southward to Central America, northern 
South America, and the West Indies. 

Of the genus Buteo, in this section, the Broad-winged is the least 
abundant. It is a native and resident. The movements in the air of 
this hawk are easy and beautifully graceful. When in quest of food, its 
flight is in circles. At times, when circling, like the Sparrow Hawk, it 
will stand for an instant beating the air, and then descend with great 
velocity upon its prey, which it secures, not in its descent, but as it is 
on the rise. I have on more than one occasion witnessed this species 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


131 


take aliment in the way described. I incorporate it, notwithstanding 
that it disagrees with certain good authority. 

Nest-building takes place from the first to the middle of May, and the 
four nests which I have found have all been located in high trees; three 
in hickory trees, the other in an oak. All of these nests were over fifty 
or sixty feet from the ground. The nest is very similar to that of the 
Cooper’s Hawk; it is made of sticks, twigs, leaves and rootlets, lined 
with feathers; one I found lined with bark. The complement of eggs 
is usually four, although three sometimes is the full set. The eggs are 
somewhat larger than those of the Cooper’s Hawk, with a dull white, 
grayish ground color, with brownish red spots, which vary in size from 
specks to large patches, frequently confluent. 

This hawk is generally easily captured, appearing quite tame and un¬ 
suspicious. I have always found it to be cowardly, and to evince no 
[ disposition to repel an invasion of its nest. 

It would seem, however, that the disposition of this bird, under cer¬ 
tain circumstances, is very variable. Mr. A. G. Boardman, of Maine, 
who has found several nests, and secured the eggs, finds it to be cour¬ 
ageous and spirited. A man whom he had employed to obtain a nest, 
was attacked with great fury, while ascending the tree; his cap was 
torn from his head, and he would have been seriously injured if the bird 
had not been shot. Another instance is mentioned by Dr. Wood, where 
this hawk attacked a boy climbing to her nest, fastened her talons in 
his arm, and could not be removed until beaten off and killed with a club. 

In speaking of this bird, Dr. Wood says: “ Seldom, if ever, does it 
seize its prey on the wing, but secures it mostly on the ground, subsist¬ 
ing on frogs, snakes, mice and small birds, devouring the latter without 
removing the feathers. This hawk in its habits is not as neat in pre¬ 
paring its food as most of its genus; holding its prey with both feet, it 
tears and eats without much regard to cleanliness or feathers.” 

In twelve specimens examined by myself, four revealed mice; three, 
small birds; four, frogs; one, killed the 22d of May, 1882, was gorged 
with cray-fish, with which were traces of coleopterous insects (beetles). 


Genus ARCHIBUTEO Brehm. 

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.). 

American Rough-legged Hawk; Black Hawk. 

Description. 

“Adult male and female : Too variable in plumage to be concisely described. In 
general, the whole plumage with dark brown or blackish and light brown, gray, or 
whitish, the lighter colors edging or barring the individual feathers; tendency to 
excess of the whitish on the head, and to the formation of a dark abdominal zone or 
area which may or may not include the tibhe ; usually a blackish anteorbital and 







132 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


maxillary area. Lining of wings extensively blackish. Tail usually white from 
the base for some distance, then with dark and light barring. The inner webs of the 
flight feathers extensively white from the base, usually with little, if any, of the 
dark barring so prevalent among buteonine hawks. From such a light and varie¬ 
gated plumage as this, the bird varies to more or less nearly uniform blackish, in 
which case the tail is usually barred several times with white. * * Length of a 
female, 22.00; extent, 54.00; wing, 17.50; tail, 9.00; iris light brown; bill mostly 
blackish-blue, cere pale greenish-yellow, feet dull yellow, claws blue-black. This 
is about an average size; the male averages smaller.’’— Coue's Key. 

Habitat .—Whole of North America north of Mexico, breeding north of the United 
States. 

In any plumage this bird can easily be distinguished from other of 
our hawks by the tarsus, which is thickly feathered in front to the toes. 
I have found the Bough-legged or Black Hawk in Pennsylvania only as 
a winter sojourner, about the meadows and grass fields along or near 
large streams. In the winter of 1879, when hunting along the Brandy¬ 
wine creek, I saw seven of these hawks at one time, perched about on 
trees in a meadow of some five acres in extent. In this locality the 
species is usually found singly or in pairs. The Bough-legs generally 
migrate northward about the middle of March: I have, however, ob¬ 
served them here late in April. ‘‘Its migrations appear to be quite 
regular and extensive—more so, perhaps, than is generally supposed— 
though probably it does not differ from most hawks in this respect. 
Birds of this family must follow their prey, wherever this leads them, 
and only a few of the more powerful species, able to prey upon hares 
and Ptarmigan, pass the winter in our highest latitudes. The Bough- 
legged is a rather northerly species, rarely, if ever, breeding ’within the 
limits of the United States, and becoming rarer towards its southern 
terminus.”— Coues. 

I desire to correct here an error which I am confident was made in 
the first issue of the Birds of Penna., pp 92-93, where I stated, on the 
authority of Mr. Samuel B. Ladd, of West Chester, Pa., that he (Mr. 
Ladd) had, April 5, 1886, found a nest and two eggs of this bird, in a 
thick woods at Fite’s Eddy, on the Susquehanna river. A description 
of the nest and eggs was published in my first report, as given to me 
by Mr. Ladd, but I have since learned from Mr. Ladd that he did not 
secure or even see the hawks, hence I am satisfied that this “ record ” 
was without doubt based on erroneous identification. Dr. C. H. Mer- 
riam, Ornithologist, United States Department of Agriculture, Washing¬ 
ton, D. 0., informs me that he is not aware of a single authentic record 
of the breeding of the Bough-legged Hawk anywhere within the limits 
of the United States. 

“ It is a sluggish bird, and confines itself to the meadows and low 
grounds bordering the rivers and salt marshes along our bays and inlets. 
In such places you may see it perched on a stake, where it remains for 
hours at a time, unless some wounded bird comes in sight, when it sails 
after it, and secures it without manifesting much swiftness of flight. It 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


133 


feeds principally on moles, mice and other small quadrupeds, and never 
attacks a duck on the wing, although now and then it pursues a wounded 
one. When not alarmed it usually flies low and sedately, and does not 
exhibit any of the courage and vigor so conspicuous in most other hawks, 
suffering thousands of birds to pass without pursuing them. The 
greatest feat I have ever seen it perform was scrambling at the edge of 
the water to secure a lethargic frog. They alight on trees to roost, but 
appear so hungry or indolent at all times that they seldom retire to rest 
until after dusk. Their large eyes, indeed, seem to indicate their pos¬ 
session of the faculty of seeing at that late hour. I have frequently put 
up one that seemed watching for food at the edge of a ditch long after 
sunset. Whenever an opportunity offers they eat to excess, and, like 
the Turkey Buzzards and Carrion Crows, disgorge their food, to enable 
themselves to fly off. The species is more nocturnal in its habits than 
any other hawk found in the United States. The number of meadow 
mice which this species destroys ought, one might think, to secure it 
the protection of every husbandman.”— Audubon. 

In the stomachs of eleven of these hawks, which I have examined, 
were found only field mice. 


Genus AQXJTLA Brisson. 


Aquila chrysaetos (Linn.). 


Golden Eagle. 


Description. 


Tarsi densely feathered all round to base of yellow toes. Length about 3 feet; 
extent 6§ to 7g feet. 

Adult .—General color dark brown ; the lengthened, pointed feathers of hind-neck 
golden brown ; feathers of tarsi pale yellowish-brown ; tail blackish and grayish. 

Young .—Basal two-thirds of tail white, with a blackish terminal band; lower 
parts much lighter than adult. 

Habitat .—North America south to Mexico, and northern parts of the Old World. 

This large bird occurs in Pennsylvania as an occasional winter visi¬ 
tant. The only species with which it is sometimes confounded is the 
Bald or White-headed Eagle in immature plumage. The two species 
can always be distinguished at a single glance, if you remember that 
the Golden Eagle has the tarsus densely feathered to the toes, and the 
Bald Eagle has a bare tarsus. One of the largest Golden Eagles I ever 
saw was captured in December, 1889, by a hunter, in Cameron county. 
This bird, which was handsomely mounted by my friend, Mr. M. M. 
Larrabee, of Emporium, weighed, Mr. Larrabee informed me, twenty- 
five pounds. This bird breeds in high mountainous regions and the 
Arctic countries. 

The following mention of the peculiarities of the Golden Eagle in 
captivity I gleaned from conversation with Mr. B. M. Everhart, who for 



134 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

several years kept one in his yard. This bird, in consequence of a gun- 
shot wound in the wing, was unable to fly off. All the yard situated to 
the north and east of the house was known as Nero’s (bird’s name) do¬ 
main. Along the walk leading to my office was his perch, a dead tree 
stump some eight feet high. When satiated with food he would sit 
there for hours at a time. If at any time during the day a cat or do¬ 
mestic fowl happened to enter his ground, it had to make a speedy 
departure or be killed. The latter was mostly the case, for Nero seldom 
“ went for ” anything without his capturing it. When I neglected to 
give him his daily allowance (two pounds meat), as was sometimes the case, 
he wandered about the yard uttering a ventriloquial, gutteral sound, 
which had the effect of bringing around him birds and chickens. Occa¬ 
sionally the former, and invariably the latter, would be killed. Towards 
people other than myself he displayed great animosity, this being par¬ 
ticularly the case with children and timorous individuals. One day 
Joshua Hoopes, a school teacher at that time, brought a party of his 
boys to see the bird, and I noticed one of their number, a puny and 
delicate lad, the eagle continually eyed and several times endeavored to 
make at him. Towards a female domestic, who had annoyed him by 
throwing water on him and poking at him with a stick, he showed great 
antipathy; we were eventually obliged, for her personal safety and our 
own convenience, to discharge the girl, as she could not go into the 
yard without being attacked. An Irishman one day slyly entered the 
yard, but in crossing Nero’s province he was set upon by the bird. In 
the fleshy part of the man’s thigh he imbedded his talons, and it was 
with considerable difficulty his hold was loosened. Erin’s son declared 
that “ Niver before in his ho\vl life had he seed sich a divil,” and that 
nothing short of the eagle’s life could appease for his injuries. Exami¬ 
nation showed that although there were ugly flesh wounds, nothing of a 
serious nature would follow. This information being imparted, and a 
two dollar bill tendered to the Irishman, his sufferings were much re¬ 
lieved. He stated that although he looked upon the “ critter” as a “ bold, 
bad burd,” still he deemed him a fit subject to “kape frum” any intrusion 
in the back yard, and that in the future, whenever he had any business 
with Bridget, he would enter the front gate and make known his wants 
at the front door. The strongest and largest tom cat he could manage 
with ease. When anyone had a specially objectionable cat which they 
wanted disposed of, they would bag it up and bring it to the eagle. As 
soon as he saw the bag—now the bird, which an instant before sat 
moping, ruffed-feathered and seemingly half dead, suddenly, as if by 
magic, changed, as it were, into a new being; body erect, feathers close 
to the body, tail expanded, the sunken eyes with ten-fold increased lustre, 
followed with argus gaze every motion of the bag and occupant; soon 
as grimalkin was liberated the eagle swooped down and grasped it. If 
the cat was of ordinary size, Nero displayed little concern in dis- 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


135 


patching it; but if it was a Thomas feline, of huge dimensions, all the 
powers of the bird were brought into requisition. Then the true na¬ 
ture of the eagle was seen. The eyes, before bright, now shone like 
balls of fire, the crest feathers standing up; his voice, before hushed, 
now added discord to the dying yells of his struggling victim, so inex¬ 
tricably fixed in his relentless talons. He could kill a cat in from two 
to five minutes. Commonly, the eagle would grasp the cat around the 
small of the back with one foot, and with the other he encircled the neck, 
thus retaining his hold until the animal had ceased its struggles, which 
were soon over, as they were greatly augmented by fright and excessive 
violence of action. When the cat became quiet the eagle would raise his 
wings, which he had allowed to drop, draw his body up as high as pos¬ 
sible from his prey, and proceed leisurely to tear off the skin from his 
captive’s back and side, exposing the muscles and viscera, which he ate. 

“Young fawns, raccoons, hares, wild turkeys and other large birds are 
their usual food ; and they devour putrid flesh only when hard pressed 
by hunger, none alighting on carrion at any other time.”— Audubon . 


Genus HALIJEETTJS Savigny. 

Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Linn.). 

Bald Eagle. 

Description ( Plate 84 ). 

Tarsi feathered only about half way down. 

Male. —Length about 3 feet; extent of wings aboutf7 feet. Female larger, meas¬ 
uring sometimes 8 feet in extent. 

Adult.— Head, neck, tail and upper coverts of latter, white ; restof plumage dusky- 
brown ; bill, feet and eyes yellow. 

Young.— Entire plumage dark-brown ; some are grayish-brown, and tail more or 
less spotted with white ; bill dark-colored ; eyes brown. 

Habitat. —North America at large, south to Mexico. 

The name “ Bald,” which is given to this species is not applied be¬ 
cause the head is bare, but because the feathers of the neck and head in 
the adults are pure white. In Pennsylvania, as well as throughout the 
United States, we have but two species of eagles. The “ Black,” “ Gray” 
and “ Washington ” Eagles are all young of the Bald Eagle. Three 
years, it is stated, are required before this species assumes the adult 
plumage. The Bald Eagle is found in Pennsylvania at all seasons of 
the year. A few of these birds annually rear their young along the 
Susquehanna river, and also in a few other localities in this state. The 
nest, a bulky affair, built usually on a large tree, mostly near the water, 
is said to be about five or six feet in diameter. It is made up chiefly of 
large sticks, lined inside with grasses, leaves, etc. The eggs commonly 
2 —rarely 3—are white and measure about 3 by 2$ inches. A favorite 
article of food with this bird is fish, which he obtains, chiefly, by strategy 



136 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


and rapine. The Bald Eagle is quite plentiful in the vicinity of large 
rivers, where the Fish Hawk is common; unlike this last named bird, 
however, he cannot be called piscivorous, as he subsists largely on ducks, 
geese and other aquatic birds. Referring to this eagle, Audubon says: 
“No sooner does the Fish Hawk make its appearance along our Atlantic 
shores, or ascend our numerous and large rivers, than the eagle follows 
it, and, like a selfish oppressor, robs it of the hard-earned fruits of its 
labor. Perched on some tall summit, in view of the ocean, or of some 
water-course, he watches every motion of the Fish Hawk while on wing. 
When the latter rises from the water, with a fish in its grasp, forth 
rushes the eagle in pursuit. He mounts above the Fish Hawk, and 
threatens it by actions well understood, when the latter, fearing perhaps 
that its life is in danger, drops its prey. In an instant, the eagle, accu¬ 
rately estimating the rapid descent of the fish, closes his wings, follows 
it with the swiftness of thought, and the next moment grasps it. * * 

This bird now and then procures fish for himself by pursuing them in 
the shallows of small creeks. I have witnessed several instances of this 
in the Perkiomen creek in Pennsylvania, where, in this manner, I saw 
one of them secure a number of Red fins, by wading briskly through the 
water, and striking at them with his bill. I have also observed a pair 
scrambling over the ice of frozen pond to get at some fish below, but 
without success. It does not confine itself to these kinds of food, but 
greedily devours young pigs, lambs, fawns, poultry and the putrid flesh 
of carcasses of every description, driving off the vultures and Carrion 
Crows, or the dogs, and keeping a whole party at defiance until it is 
satiated.” Even man is not exempt from the attacks of these predacious 
birds. I have repeatedly seen in newspapers, accounts of combats between 
men and eagles ; frequently the bird would be the aggressor. While it 
is admitted that these reports are largely due to the imaginative reporter, 
it is believed that such occurrences do occasionally take place. Verita¬ 
ble instances are related of their carrying off infants. According to 
Wilson, “ an attempt of this kind was made upon a child lying by its 
mother, as she was weeding a garden, at Egg Harbor, New Jersey, but 
the garment seized upon by the eagle giving way at the instant of the 
attempt, the child’s life was spared.” Nuttall speaks of an instance said 
to have happened at Petersburg, Ga., near the Savannah river, “ where 
an infant, sleeping in the shade near the house, was seized and carried 
off to the eyry, near the edge of a swamp, five miles distant, and when 
found, almost immediately, the child was dead.” 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


137 


Subfamily FALCONING. Falcons. 
Genus FALCO * Linnaeus. 

Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.). 

Huck Hawk ; Great-footed Hawk. 


Description (Plate 85). 

Size as well as colors variable. A female before me is 20 inches long, and meas¬ 
ures from tip to tip 46 inches; tail 8. Male smaller. Above blackish-brown or 
slaty-black, and many feathers with paler edgings; chin, throat, fore part of neck 
and upper breast yellowish white, and sometimes nearly immaculate, but usually 
more or less streaked or spotted ; showy black ear patches ; frontal feathers whitish, 
rest of under parts barred and streaked with blackish and lighter colors; young 
birds are more brown, and lower parts are much more spotted with dark and less 
barred. Bill bluish-black, except about base, like cere is yellowish ; legs yellow ; iris 
brown. 

Habitat. —North America at large. 

This bold and predatory hawk, the largest of the typical falcons 
found in this region, retires, usually, during the summer time to the 
mountainous districts, generally in the neighborhood of large streams, 
and in the winter season (fall, winter and early spring) it is found as an 
irregular visitor in nearly all sections of our commonwealth. The Duck 
Hawk breeds in several localities in Pennsylvania, and in some parts of 
the state it is reported to be quite common. The late Judge Libhart, 
of Lancaster county, twelve or fifteen years ago observed it as a “ resi¬ 
dent, common on the Susquehanna.” Dr. Treichler, Mr. Poddy and 
other more recent observers, report the Duck Hawk in Lancaster county 
as a rather rare visitor, commonly seen in winter. The following 
gentlemen report this species as a native: Hon. Gerard C. Brown, 
Casper Loucks and George Miller, all of York county, state that it is a 
regular breeder on the high cliffs about the Susquehanna. Concerning 
the bird Mr. George Miller furnishes the following notes: “ Found nest 

of Duck Hawk April 7 , 1880 . It contained four eggs slightly incubated; 
hawk on nest when discovered, along Susquehanna river near mouth of 
Codorus creek. Nest about one-tliird down from top of a high cliff on 
shelf with overhanging rock; nest made of rocky debris found lying 
about. Bemains of birds, such as tame pigeons, flickers, blackbirds, 
etc., upon which the Duck Hawks had evidently been feeding, were found 

* Birds of this genus can easily be distinguished from all others of the family by the toothed beak. The 
Sparrow Hawk, like the members of the genera Buteo and Archibuteo , merits protection, as it feeds mainly 
on destructive insects and rodents, and also destroying many English Sparrows. The Pigeon and Duck 
Hawks are not classed with the beneficial raptores; they seldom prey on insects or mice, but destroy 
numerous kinds of birds. The Duck Hawk is particularly bold and predacious; he devours poultry, wild 
ducks and many other kinds of game, birds, etc. The wings are long and pointed; the flight is vigorous 
and rapid; bill short, stout and wide at base with a prominent tooth and notch near the end. The upper 
mandible is strongly curved to the sharp-pointed end; nostrils circular, with prominent central tubercle; 
tarsi stout, short and feathered only slightly in front; middle toe long; claws much curved, long and very 
sharp. 











138 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


plentifully scattered over the rocks. I shot the male soon after collect¬ 
ing* the eggs, and have it now in my collection of birds.” Dr. W. L. 
Hartman, of Luzerne county, says: “The Great-footed or Duck Hawk 
breeds reg*ularly in this locality (Pittston) in an almost inaccessible ledg*e 
of rocks.” Mr. Thomas S. Gillin, Ambler, Montgomery county, says: 
“ I have had many opportunities of observing* them, having shot twelve 
' inside of a radius of five miles of this place; in fact see them regularly, 
and know of two nesting places in this state.” Dr. T. Z. Hazzard, 
Allegheny county; Mr. O. B. Hark, Northampton county, and W. P. 
Bolton, Montgomery county, also mention it as a breeder. Dr. John W. 
Detwiller and Mr. Samuel Mack, both residents of Bethlehem, have, on 
different occasions, found Duck Hawks’ nests. With regard to their 
breeding in this state, Dr. Detwiller (letter November 2, 1889) says: 
“Duck Hawk, secured set of four eggs from the cliffs of ‘Camel’s 
Ledge,’ Pittson, 1880; 1886 secured two sets of four eggs in each set, 
one at Skinner’s Eddy and the other at ‘ Buttermilk Falls,’ Susquehanna 
river (East branch). 1887 secured a set of four eggs, and another of 
three, at ‘The Narrows,’ Delaware river. Month of incubation, April.” 

Reports which I have received from other naturalists and collectors, 
show that the Duck Hawk has been observed in other parts of the state 
as a straggler in the spring and fall, or as a rather rare and irregular 
winter visitor. I have never found the nest of this bird. Dr. Coues 
states that it “ breed as far south as Virginia at least; eggs, 2-5, oftener 
3-4, 2.10 to 2.35X1.60 to L75, averaging about 2.25X1.65; white or 
whitish, spotted, blotched, wreathed, clouded, etc., with the reddish- 
browns, from chocolate or even purplish to the ochres.”— Key. N. A 
Birds. 

“ He pursues the smaller ducks, water-hens, and other swimming birds; 
and, if they are not quick in diving seizes them, and rises with them 
from the water. I have seen this hawk come at the report of a gun, and 
carry off a teal, not thirty steps distant from the sportsman who had killed 
it, with a daring assurance as surprising as unexpected. This conduct 
has been observed by many individuals, and is a characteristic trait of 
this species. The largest bird that I have seen this hawk attack and 
grapple with on the wing is the Mallard. 

“The Great-footed Hawk does not, however, content himself with 
water-fowl. He is generally seen following the flocks of pigeons, and 
even blackbirds, causing great terror in their ranks, and forcing them 
to perform aerial evolutions to escape the grasp of his dreaded talons. 
For several days I watched one of them that had taken a particular 
fancy to some tame pigeons, to secure which, it went so far as to enter 
their house at one of the holes, seize a bird, and issue by another hole 
in an instant, causing such terror among the rest as to render me fear¬ 
ful that they would abandon the place. However, I fortunately shot 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


139 


the depredator. They occasionally feed on dead fish that have floated 
to the shores or sand-bars.”— Audubon. 

I have examined but three of these hawks; the stomachs of two were 
destitute of food materials, the other contained a few feathers of a do¬ 
mestic pigeon. 


Falco columbarius Linn. 

Pigeon Hawk. 

Description (Plate 85 ). 

Adult Male .—Entire upper parts bluish-slate color, every feather with a black 
longitudinal line ; forehead and throat white ; other under parts pale yellowish or 
reddish-white ; every feather with a longitudinal line of brownish-black ; tibiae light 
ferruginous, with lines of black ; quills black, tipped with ashy-white; tail light 
bluish-ashy, tipped with a white and with a wide subterminal band of black, and 
with several other transverse narrower bands of black ; inner webs nearly white; 
cere and legs yellow ; bill blue ; iris brown. 

Younger .—Entire upper plumage dusky-brown, quite light in some specimens, 
and with a tinge of ashy; head above, with narrow stripes of dark brown and fer¬ 
ruginous, and in some specimens many irregular spots and edgings of the latter 
color on the other upper parts ; forehead and entire under parts dull-white, the latter 
with longitudinal stripes of light-brown ; sides and flanks light-brown, with pairs 
of circular spots of white ; tibiae dull white, with dashes of brown ; tail pale brown, 
with about six transverse bands of white ; cere and legs greenish-yellow. 

Young .—Upper plumage brownish-black, white of the forehead and under parts 
more deeply tinged with reddish yellow; dark stripes wider than in preceding; 
sides and flanks with wide transverse bands of brownish-black, and with circular 
spots of yellowish-white ; quills black ; tail brownish-black, tipped with white, and 
with about four bands of white ; cere and feet greenish yellow. 

Total length, female 12 to 14 inches ; wing 8 to 9 inches ; tail 5 to inches. Male, 
total length, 10 to 11 inches ; wing 71, to 8 inches ; tail 5 inches.— Baird's B. B. N. A. 

Habitat .—The whole of North America, south to the West Indies and northern 
South America. 

This little falcon, a native of northern latitudes, occurs in Pennsylva¬ 
nia as a rather rare and irregular visitor during the late fall, winter and 
early spring months. AVhen found here the Pigeon Hawk is usually 
seen singly, sometimes a pair are observed together searching food. 
The species appears to be oftener met with in the mountainous and 
wooded districts than elsewhere in the state. In the few examinations 
which I have mode of these hawks, only the remains of birds—common 
pigeons and sparrows—have been detected. Prom my observations in 
the field, as well as dissections, I believe the Pigeon Hawk during its 
residence in this locality preys mainly on various small birds. The 
following is taken from my note-book in relation to a pair of these 
hawks: “Two Pigeon Hawks during the late fall lurked about the 
southern suburbs of the borough of West Chester, preying at regular 
intervals on the pigeons of a blacksmith. In one week the hawks killed 
or drove away fifty of these birds. The hawks would enter the boxes 
and take from them the pigeons.” 




140 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Falco sparverius Linn. 

American Sparrow Hawk. 

Description (Plate 16; Fig. 2, female; Fig. 3, male). 

This common little falcon can easily be recognized by comparison with figures on 
plate. 

Length 10 to 12 inches ; extent of wings 18 to 23 inches. 

Habitat .—Whole of North America, south to northern South America. 

This well-known little hawk is the smallest and most beautiful of the 
family Falconidce. It is a resident, but is more numerous during* fall 
and winter than at other seasons. Unlike other of our native hawks, it 
sometimes rears two broods in a season. The Sparrow Hawk builds no 
nest, but deposits her eggs—numbering from five to seven, rarely the 
latter number—in hollow trees, selecting usually the deserted hole of a 
woodpecker. The eggs, nearly spherical, measure about 1.33 by 1.13 
inches, and are of a whitish or pale yellow brown color, blotched all over 
with dark brown. Oviposition occurs in April. Occasionally, if the 
eggs are taken, the bird will a second time deposit eggs in the same 
nest. When the young or eggs are disturbed the parent birds will 
sometimes defend invasion of their domicile with great temerity. Some 
few years ago I was endeavoring to secure the young from a nest of this 
species. I had climbed the tree to the aperture, about thirty-five feet 
from the ground, wherein were snugly packed five young, one of which 
I removed, when both old birds assailed me. They several times struck 
my head and arms with their talons and wings. So persistent were 
their attacks that I, desiring to obtain the young alive, directed a com¬ 
panion, who stood near by, to shoot both birds. I have repeatedly 
taken the eggs and young of this species, but never, only in the above- 
cited instance, encountered such determined opposition. When reared 
from the nest, this species will soon become attached to its master. I 
raised two, which were given their freedom. Both birds would come at 
my call and alight on my outstretched arm or shoulders, anxiously waiting 
for a grasshopper or piece of meat, which was always their recompense. 
This hawk will resort for several consecutive years to the same tree for 
breeding purposes. From Doctor Wood’s “Birds of Connecticut ,,” the 
following remarks, with regard to the nesting of this bird, are taken • 

“ One of my collectors found a nest of four eggs in the top of a stump, 
about ten feet from the ground. This nest was composed of grass, and 
was discovered by the grass protruding through a crack in the stump. 
Whether this hawk constructed this nest, or whether it had been made 
by some other bird, it is impossible to tell; but if this hawk constructs 
no nest, as asserted by Doctor Brewer and others, it must have obtained 
it piratically, as the nest was new. In another instance, which occurred 
in Granby, Connecticut, the nest was known to have been obtained in 
this way: A farmer made a dove-house inside of his barn, with holes 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


141 


through the sides of the building communicating with it. A pair of 
doves that had mated there were attacked and killed by a pair of Sparrow 
Hawks, who took possession of their nest, laid four eggs, and com¬ 
menced incubating.” 

Incubation, which lasts for about a period of from twenty-one to 
twenty-four days, is engaged in by both birds, and while one is sitting 
its mate supplies it with food. When first hatched the young are cov¬ 
ered with a white down. The food of young, while under parental care, 
I have found to consist chiefly of insects. 

H. W. Henshaw says: “Its food consists chiefly of the various kinds 
of coleopterous insects and grasshoppers, of which it destroys multi¬ 
tudes ; in fact, this last item is the most important of all, and where 
these insects are abundant I have never seen them recourse to any other 
kind of food.” 

Allen, in his “ Ornithological Notes on the Birds of the Great Salt 
Lake Valley,” says: “ The Sparrow Hawk, however, was by far the most 
numerous of the Fcilconidce ; thirty were seen in the air at one time 
near the mouth of Weber canon, engaged in the capture of the hateful 
grasshoppers, which seems at this season to form the principal food of 
this and other birds.” Audubon mentions that he had one of these 
birds tamed. It was allowed its liberty. “ In attempting to secure a 
chicken one day, the old hen attacked him with such violence as to cost 
him his life.” Doctor Wood says: “When they cannot readily procure 
their favorite food, mice and small birds are greedily devoured; and, 
according to a writer in the American Naturalist , they are not wholly 
devoid of the piratical habits of the Bald Eagle. ‘A tame cat was cross¬ 
ing the street and bearing a large mouse in her mouth; a Sparrow 
Hawk came flying over, and seeing the mouse in her mouth, made a 
sudden swoop and tried to seize it with its talons, but did not succeed. 
The hawk continued its attempts until they reached the opposite side 
of the street, when the cat disappeared under the sidewalk.’ If it 
catches a mouse that proves to be lousy and poor, it will leave it and 
seek another.” The stomach contents of sixty-five of this species which 
I have dissected showed, in thirty-one, principally field-mice, with fre¬ 
quent traces of various insects; twenty-three, mainly grasshoppers and 
beetles; seven, small birds; two, meadowlarks; one, remains of mouse 
and small bird; one, insects and small bird. 





142 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Subfamily PANDIONINAI. Ospreys. 

Genus PANDION Savigny. 

Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmel.). 

American Osprey ; Fish Hawk. 

Description {Plate 80). 

Wings long and pointed; second and third quills longest. Three lirst primaries 
emarginate on inner webs; bill stout with a very long hook and sharp end ; feathers 
oily to resist water, those of head lengthened and pointed ; thighs and little of the 
front parts of tarsi are covered with short feathers which lie close ; legs, tarsi, 
and feet very strong and robust; claws all same length, very large and sharp. The 
tarsus all round covered with rough scales; toes padded below and covered with 
numerous hard-pointed projections to aid in holding their slippery prey. 

Adult. —Upper parts dark brown or grayish-brown; most of bead, neck and 
under parts white (chest in female, and sometimes in male, is spotted with brown,) 
the tail, usually paler than the back, is tipped with white, and has six or seven 
dusky bars. The young, very similar to adults, have upper parts spotted with pale 
reddish-brown or white. Iris in some specimens reddish, but mostly yellow ; bill 
and claws blue-black; tarsi and toes grayish-blue. Length (female) about 25 
inches ; extent about 52. 

Habitat —North America, from Hudson’s bay and Alaska south to the West Indies 
and northern South America. 

The Fish Hawk, although most numerous about the sea coast, is quite 
frequently met with along our large rivers. This bird arrives in Penn¬ 
sylvania generally about the last week in March, and remains some¬ 
times as late as the first of November. Although the Fish Hawk com¬ 
monly rears its young along the sea coast, it is frequently found breed¬ 
ing near the borders of large rivers or in the vicinity of large inland 
lakes. The nest, a particularly bulky structure (from four to eight feet in 
diameter), composed chiefly of sticks, and lined with sea-weeds, grasses, 
etc., is built usually on a large tree, near the water. In Florida I have 
found eggs and young of this bird early in March. The Fish Hawk 
breeds in Pennsylvania. I am informed that about eight years ago 
Messrs. William Ingram and Joseph Price, of West Chester, Pa., dis¬ 
covered a nest and young of the Fish Hawk along the Brandywine 
creek, in the vicinity of Chadd’s Ford, Delaware county. The eggs, two 
or three in number, measure about inches in length by If inches in 
width; they are yellowish-white, thickly covered with large blotches of 
different shades of brown. Although it is asserted by certain reputable 
writers that during the breeding season these birds subsist in part on 
reptiles and batrachians, I believe that such food is only taken when 
they are unable to secure fish, which they are so expert in catching. In 
the stomachs of eighteen Fish Hawks, killed in Pennsylvania, New Jer¬ 
sey, Maryland and Florida, I found only the remains of fishes. 

The following list shows that the osprey breeds more or less regu¬ 
larly in different localities in Pennsylvania in the vicinity of large 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


143 


streams. No person other than those named below make any mention 
of this species in the reports received by me from other counties: 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

Allegheny, . . . 

Dr. T. Z. Hazzard. . . 

Straggler. 

Bradford, .... 

J. L. Camp. 

Breeds. 

Berks. 

I). F. Keller. 

Breeds. 

Chester. 

W. M. Swayne. 

Rare migrant in vicinity of Kennett Square. 

Do. 

Alfred P. Lee. 

Breeds within a few miles of Oxford. 

Do. 

B. H. Warren. 

Common in spring, late summer and fall; never found nest. 

Clinton, ..... 

Dr. W. Van Fleet. . . 

Migrant, spring and fall. 

Crawford. 

H. C. Kirkpatrick. . . 

Rare migrant. 

Dauphin. 

W. W. Stoey. 

Breeds. 

Erie. 

G. B. Sennett. 

Migrant. 

Lehigh. 

.1. F. Kocher. 

Breeds. 

Luzerne. 

Dr. W. L. Hartman, . 

Migrant. 

Lancaster, .... 

Dr. A. C. Treichler, . 

Breeds occasionally along Susquehanna. 

Do. .... 

W. H. Buller. 

Breeds occasionally along Susquehanna. 

Lackawanna, . . 

H. W. Williams, . . . 

Rare migrant. 

Do . . 

Geo. P. Friant. 

Straggler. 

Lycoming. 

August Kock. 

Migrant. 

Mercer. 

S. S. Overmoyer. . . . 

Rare visitor; shot one September 4. 1885. 

Montgomery, . . 

Thos. S. Gillin. 

Migrant. 

Do. . . 

W. P. Bolton. 

Migrant; probably breeds. 

Northampton, . . 

O. B. Hark. 

Migrant. 

Do. . . 

Dr. J. W. Detwiller, . 

Have found it breeding in Pennsylvania. 

Perry. 

H. .1. Roddy. 

Breeds. 

Philadelphia. . . 

Witmer Stone. 

Occasional migrant. 

Do. . . 

G. S. Morris. 

Migrant. 

Do. . . 

II. Jamison. 

Occasional migrant. 

Do. . . 

Jos. P. Ball. 

Occasional migrant. 

Do. . . 

Rev. Jos. Johnson. . . 

Occasional migrant. 

Sullivan. 

Otto Behr,. 

Migrant. 

Susquehanna, . . 

Dr. H. A. Tingley, . . 

Breeds. 

Do. . . 

Geo. B. Perry. 

Migrant. 

Washington, . . 

M. Compton. 

Straggler. 

Do. . . 

W. T. Warrick. 

Straggler. 

Do. . . 

Jas. S. Nease. 

Rare visitor. 

Wyoming. 

V. A. Beemer. 

Breeds regularly. 

Wayne. 

N. F. Underwood, . . 

Migrant. 

York, . 

Geo. Miller. 

Bi-eeds along the Susquehanna. 

Do. 

Casper Loucks, .... 

Breeds along the Susquehanna. 

Do. 

Hon. G. C. Brown, . . 

Brefeds along the Susquehanna. 


Suborder STRIGES. Owls. 

THE OWLS. 

Ten representatives ot the families Strigidce and Bubonidce are found in Pennsyl¬ 
vania. Some are common residents in all parts of the state ; others breed in boreal 
regions and are found with us as irregular or accidental winter visitants. The little 
Screech Owl, dressed in his coat of red, or gray, or a mixture of both, is one of the 
most common and best known birds of this group. He is found in cities and towns 
as well as in the rural districts ; and in the hollow limbs of trees in old apple orchards 
he delights to conceal himself in daylight, and also to rear his family. He often is 
found about barns and other buildings, where he goes in the daytime to hide, or 
frequently at night, to catch mice, one of his main articles of livelihood. The Great 
Horned Owl inhabits the woods, but on the approach of night he goes out in quest of 
food. His visits to the poultry yard are so common that he, also, is familiar to resi¬ 
dents of the country, where he is usually known, from his loud cries, as “ Hoot 
Owl.” The Barn Owl, a southern bird, breeds sparingly, and most frequently in 
the southern parts of the commonwealth. The Snowy Owl, which breeds in the 
Arctic regions, is found here only as an irregular winter sojourner. Some persons, 
not versed in ornithological matters, name both the Snowy Owl (N. nyctea ) and 
Barn Owl (S. pratincola) “ White ” or “ Snowy” Owls. Such local names, used to 
designate the Barn Owl, are confusing and should be discarded. Owls, other than the 
Long eared and Short-eared species, are usually observed singly ; those that breed 
here, of course, are often, during the breeding period, seen in pairs, and with their 
young. In winter Long-eared and Short-eared Owls are found generally in docks. 



















































144 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Long-eared Owls breed in many localities, in fact quite generally, throughout the 
state, and owing to the circumstance that sometimes they roost, in the daytime, in 
cedar trees, they are termed by many “Cedar ” Owls. The Short-eared Owis frequent 
meadows, swamps and grassy fields. Hunters who most frequently come across 
them know them as “ Marsh ” or “ Swamp ” Owls. The Short-eared owl is common 
in winter, and is said to breed here in rare instances. The Barred Owl is a resident 
and breeds generally throughout the state ; it is most numerous in the mountainous 
and wooded districts. In different parts of Wayne, Susquehanna and Wyoming 
counties, where the Barred owl is common, it is called “ Rain Owl.” To distinguish 
an owl from a hawk remember the owl’s eyes are situated in the front of the head 
and look forward, while the hawk’s eyes are directed to either side. The extremely 
soft and downy plumage of these birds is such that their flight is almost noiseless. 
During the daylight we ,usually, find them concealed in hollow trees, or dense foli¬ 
age, preferably cedar thickets. While it is generally an accepted fact that owls are 
nocturnal in their habits, it is not true that they are exclusively so. The Short-eared 
and Barred Owlsareof adecidedly diurnal nature ; and in cloudy weather or in early 
twilight it is not unusual to see the Great Horned Owl sally forth in quest of prey. 
Birds of this suborder, unlike certain other species of the Raptores, never, it is 
stated, unless reduced to the utmost extremity, feed on carrion, but subsist on such 
food as they are able to kill. Their dietary, although variable with locality and cir¬ 
cumstances, consists mainly of small quadrupeds (principally field mice), insects, 
chiefly beetles and grasshoppers, and some few of the smaller kinds of birds. 
“ Many species are capable of living without water for months at a time, though 
some of them drink it readily and often bathe freely.” Benjamin M. Everhart, the 
well-known Pennsylvania botanist, had in captivity, for a period of about two years, 
a Great Horned Owl, and during this time he says it never would drink water. The 
owls, like many other birds of prey, eject from the mouth, in small ball-like masses, 
the indigestible portions of their food, such as hair, bones, etc. These little balls or 
pellets, as they are usually called, are frequently to be found in great quantities 
about localities where these birds resort during the daytime. The eggs are white, 
nearly round, and commonly number from three to five; deposited generally in 
hollow trees or the deserted nests of hawks and crows. Their cries are loud and 
dismal. 

The general form of Owls, is short and heavy ; the head and eyes are usually very 
large ; bill very much like a hawk’s, but never toothed, and often almost hidden by 
long bristle-like feathers ; eyes encircled by a ring of radiating bristly feathers; 
tarsi, and in most species toes, also densely feathered. In some species the heads 
are furnished with long erectile tufts of feathers, which are commonly called horns; 
ears in some species remarkably large. 


Family STRIGIDiE. Barn Owls. 

Genus STRIX Linnaeus. 

Strix pratincola Bonap. 

American Barn Owl. 

Description (Plate 17). 

Length of female about 16 inches ; extent of wings about 43 inches. Male rather 
smaller; no ear tufts ; facial disc well developed but not circular; eyes blackish- 
blue and rather small; lower part of long tarsus has short stiff feathers ; toes nearly 
naked, but with some hair-like feathers ; feathers of body downy. Colors brownish, 
ashy and white. 

Habitat .—Warmer parts of North America, from the middle states, Ohio valley, 
and California southward through Mexico. 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


145 


The Bam Owl has of late years become rather rare in various sections 
of Pennsylvania, where formerly, it is said, to have been quite plentiful. 
I have never found this species breeding in eastern Pennsylvania. Prof. 
Gentry, however, who has been more fortunate, says: “In the selection 
of a place for nesting purposes, these owls vary in different localities. 
In eastern Pennsylvania generally a hollow tree, chiefly an apple or an 
oak is chosen, but, occasionally, a dilapidated and unoccupied barn; but 
more rarely, an occupied building in close proximity to man. When the 
former situations are chosen, the hollow is lined with a few dried grasses 
and feathers, although instances are not unfrequently met with where 
the eggs are deposited upon the bare bottom. In the latter places a 
few rude sticks constitute a framework which is lined with a few fine 
grasses and feathers. It is deposited upon a short timber in a some¬ 
what inaccessible part of the building. Nesting ordinarily takes place 
early in March, although we have observed newly-built nests in the lat¬ 
ter part of February. Oviposition commences about the second week 
of March. The number of eggs laid varies from three to four, very 
rarely more. * * * The eggs are somewhat subspherical, scarcely 

more pointed at one extremity than the other, unless in exceptional 
cases; of a bluish-white color, and measure 1.67 inches in length, and 
1.37 in width. They vary, however, in size in different localities.” 

The following list gives reports received from all observers who have 
noted the Barn Owl and reported to me the result of their observations. 
From this it will be noticed that this owl is found chiefly when breeding 
in the southern parts of the state. 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

Allegheny. . . 

R. C. Wrensliall, . . 

Rare breeder. 

Do. . . 

Dr. T. L. Hazzard, . 

Resident ; breeds. 

Beaver. 

Dr. G. A. Scroggs, . 

Resident; breeds. 

Berks. 

D. F. Keller. 

Occasional; possibly breeds. 

Columbia, . . . 

Dr. A. B. MacCrea, 

Straggler. 

Clearfield. . . 

L. D. Balliet. 

Occasional visitor. 

Cumberland. 

T. L. Neff. 

Resident ; breeds. 

Crawford. . . . 

H. C. Kirkpatrick, . 

Straggler. 

Chester. 

A. P. Lee. 

Breeds occasionally in vicinity of Oxford. 

Do. 

B. H. Warren, . . . 

Probably breeds ; birds taken in spring, summer, fall and winter. 

Dauphin, . . . 

W. W. Stoey, .... 

Resident; breeds. 

Delaware. . . . 

Robert Townsley, . 

Breeds. 

Fayette. 

G. W. Linton, . . . 

Breeds. 

Lehigh. 

J. F. Kocher. 

Occasional visitor. 

Lebanon, . . . 

Geo. R. Ross, . . . 

Rare visitor. 

Do. ... 

J. G. Bohn. 

Rare visitor ; probably breeds. 

Lancaster, . . 

H. J. Roddy, .... 

Breeds. 

Do. . . 

Dr. A. C. Treicbler, 

Resident; breeds. 

Do. . . 

James Gaien, .... 

Resident; breeds. 

Lackawanna, . 

Geo. P. Friant, . . . 

Very rare ; have received two in ten years. 

Mercer. 

S. S. Overmoyer, . . 

Rare visitor. 

Montgomery. . 

Thos. S. Gillin, . . . 

Occasional visitor ; nearly extinct. 

Northampton, 

Dr. J. W. Detwiiler, 

Took one on meadows near Philadelphia ; heard of a pair breed¬ 
ing in a church steeple at Lancaster city. 

Philadelphia, . 

Witmer Stone. . . . 

Occasional visitor. 

Somerset. . . . 

B. H. Warren. . . . 

Saw one January, 1890, near Somerset. 

Susquehanna, . 

S. S Thomas, . . . 

Rare migrant. 

Do. 

Geo. B. Perry. . . . 

Straggler. 

Do. 

Dr. H. A. Tingley, . 

Rare visitor. 

Venango. . . . 

J. R. Robertson, . . 

Rare migrant. 

Washington, 

Jas. S. Nease, . . . 

Straggler ; December, 1883. 

Do. 

M. Compton. 

Occasional visitor ; December, 1882. 

Do. 

W. T. Warrick, . . 

Occasional visitor ; December, 18*2. 

York. 

Hon. G. C. Brown, . 

Breeds. 

Do. 

Geo. Miller. 

Straggler. 

Do. 

Casper Loucks, . . . 

Straggler. 


10 Birds. 



































14G 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


These owls subsist principally on mice—especially meadow mice— 
rats and various insects. Sometimes they catch and devour small birds, 
but never, I think, molest poultry, either old or young. 

In the stomachs of five Barn Owls I found the following food materials: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

April 20, 1879, . 

Delaware county. Pa.. . . 

Mice and fragments of beetles. 

2 

Nov. 14. 1880, . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Mice. 

3 

Oct. —. 1881, . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Feathers of Sparrow and bones of small mammal. 

4 

Sept. —, 1882. . 

Philadelphia county. Pa., . 

Mice. 

5 

May 21. 1S86, . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Mice. 


Family BUBONIDiE. Horned Owls, Etc. 

Genus ASIO Brisson. 

Asio wilsonianus (Less.). 

American Long-eared Owl; Cedar Owl. 

Description (Plate 86). 

“Ear tufts long and conspicuous ; eyes rather small; wings long ; tarsi and toes 
densely feathered ; upper parts mottled with brownish-black, fulvous, and ashy- 
white, the former predominating ; breast pale-fulvous, with longitudinal stripes of 
brownish-black ; abdomen white ; every feather with a wide longitudinal stripe, and 
with transverse stripes of brownish-black ; legs and toes pale-fulvous, usually un¬ 
spotted, but frequently with irregular narrow transverse stripes of dark-brown ; 
eye nearly encircled with black ; other feathers of the face ashy-white ; with minute 
lines of black ; ear-tufts brownish-black edged with fulvous and ashy-wnite ; quills 
pale-fulvous at their bases, with irregular transverse bands of brown ; interior 
coverts of the wing pale-fulvous, frequently nearly white ; the larger widely tipped 
with black ; tail brown, with several irregular transverse bands of ashy-fulvous, 
which are mottled, as on the quills ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow. 

“Total length : Female about 13 inches; extent about 38; wing 11 to 11£ ; tail 6 
inches. Male rather smaller”— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Temperate North America. 

Owing to the fact that these birds oftentimes conceal themselves dur¬ 
ing the daytime in cedar trees, the local appellation of “ Cedar Owl’’has 
arisen. The Long-eared Owl is a resident and one of the most abundant 
of all the owl tribe in this state. While owls usually lead a solitary life 
or associate in pairs, we find the subject of this sketch to be social and 
gregarious, associating commonly in parties of from twelve to twenty- 
five individuals. During the winter months, if not molested, they often 
take up a residence in the dark retreats furnished by the numerous conif¬ 
erous trees growing around the habitations of man. Li relation to a 
party of these owls Dr. William B. Stavely, Lahaska, Bucks county, 
Pa., writes me as follows: “For over twenty years I have had congre¬ 
gated in my lawn from fifty to seventy-five owls. They are peaceable 
and quiet, only on rare occasions would you know one was about. On 
















BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


147 


dull days and foggy evenings they were flying about in all directions. 
Never in all that time have I missed any poultry or have they inflicted 
any injury on anything of value. 

“ The first I noticed of their presence was the discovery of quite a pile 
of what appeared to be mice hair and bones, and on investigation found 
the Norway fir was the roosting place of to me at that time a vast num¬ 
ber of owls. They had ejected the bolus of hair and bones apparently of 
an army of tree-eating destructive mice, aiding the fruit-grower against 
one of the worst and most inveterate enemies. * * * * Their 

merits would fill sheets; the demerits nil.” 

Although it is true that the Long-eared Owls at times do construct 
their own nests, I am inclined to believe that these birds, in this region 
at least, prefer to occupy the deserted nests of other birds. I have on 
several occasions found the Long-eared Owls breeding, and always 
observed that they occupied the abandoned nests of crows or hawks. 
Audubon says : “ The Long-eared Owl is careless as to the situation in 

which its young are to be reared, and generally accommodates itself 
with the abandoned nest of some other bird that proves of sufficient 
size, whether it be high or low, in the fissure of a rock or on the ground. 
Sometimes, however, it makes a nest itself; and this I found to be the 
case in one instance near the Juniata river, in Pennsylvania, where it 
was composed of green twigs, with the leaflets adhering, and lined with 
fresh grass and wool, but without any feathers.” Of all our owls this 
species is, without doubt, the most serviceable to the farmer and horti¬ 
culturist, as it preys almost wholly on field-mice and other destructive 
little rodents. Unhappily, during the past four or five years there has 
been a rapid decrease in the number of these birds in many localities in 
Pennsylvania; this diminution, I judge, is largely due to the fact that 
the stuffed heads of these harmless and beneficial owls make an attrac¬ 
tive ornament for lovely woman’s headwear. 

The eggs of this bird vary considerably in size ; a small example in 
my possession measures about 1| by lj inches. 

Audubon says: “ It preys chiefly on quadrupeds of the genus Arvi- 
cola , and in summer destroys many beetles.” 

I have examined the stomachs of twenty-three Long-eared Owls and 
found that twenty-two of them had fed only on mice; the other exami¬ 
nation made of a specimen taken in the late spring, showed some bee¬ 
tles and portions of a small bird. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


148 


Asio accipitrinus (Pall.). 

Short-eared Owl; Marsh Owl; Swamp Owl. 

Description ( Plate 86 ). 

“ Ear-tufts very short; entire plumage buff or pale-fulvous ; every feather on the 
upper parts with a wide longitudinal stripe of dark-brown, which color predomi¬ 
nates on the back ; under parts paler, frequently nearly white on the abdomen, with 
longitudinal stripes of brownish-black, most numerous on the breast, very narrow 
and less numerous on the abdomen and flanks ; legs and toes usually of a deeper 
shade of the same color as the abdomen ; quills pale reddish-fulvous at their bases, 
brown at their ends, with wide irregular bands and large spots of reddish-fulvous ; 
tail pale reddish-fulvous, with about five irregular transverse bands of dark-brown 
which color predominates on the two central feathers; under tail-coverts usually 
nearly white ; throat white; eyes enclosed by large spots of brownish-black ; ear- 
tufts brown, edged with fulvous ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow. 

Total length : Female, about 15 inches; wing 12 ; tail 6 inches. Male, rather 
smaller.” B. B. N. A. 

Habitat. —Throughout North America; nearly cosmopolitan. 

The vulgar name of Marsh Owl is quite appropriate, as this species 
frequents mostly during its sojourn in this region marshy districts and 
grass fields. Sometimes small parties of five, eight or even ten indi¬ 
viduals, will be found in favorite grassy retreats. 

According to my observation the Short-eared Owl occurs in Pennsyl¬ 
vania as a tolerably common winter resident, arriving from more north¬ 
ern latitudes, early in November and departing early in April. Turn- 
bull, in his “Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania,” records it as a winter resi¬ 
dent, “not uncommon.” The Messrs. Baird speak of it as “abundant; 
not seen in summer,” and Dr. Michener says: “ Resident, frequent in 
winter; rare in summer.” Audubon found a nest of this owl in Penn¬ 
sylvania on one of the high mountain ridges of the Great Pine Forest, 
on June 17. In reference to this “ find ” he writes: “It contained four 
eggs, nearly ready to be hatched. They were of a dull bluish-white, of 
a somewhat elongated or elliptical form, measuring an inch and a half 
in length, and an inch and an eighth in breadth. The nest was placed 
under a low bush, and covered over by tall grass, through which a path 
had been made by the bird. It was formed of dry grass, raked together 
in a slovenly manner and quite flat, but covering a large space, on one 
side of which were found many pellets and two field mice. I should 
never have discovered their nest had not the sitting bird made a noise 
by clicking its bill as I was passing close by. The poor thing was so 
intent on her task that I almost put my hand on her before she moved; 
and then, instead of flying off, she hopped with great leaps until about 
ten yards from me, keeping up a constant clicking of her mandibles. 
Having satisfied myself as to the species, made an outline of two of the 
eggs and measuring them, I proceeded slowly to a short distance and 
watched her movements. Having remained silent and still for about ten 
minutes, I saw her hop toward the nest, and soon felt assured she had 
resumed her task.” 

L. M. Turner, the Arctic explorer, in his “ Contributions to the Natu- 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


149 


ral History of Alaska,” says : “ Among tlie natives of tlie Yukon district 
the liver of this bird is used as a love-pliilter. The liver is dried and 
reduced to a powder, and placed, unknown to the person to whom the 
philter is to be administered, in some food. On eating the food the de¬ 
sired affection is supposed to make itself evident. I knew of an incident 
where a native endeavored, by this means, to regain the affection of his 
wife. The mother-in-law had more potency than dried owl-liver, and as 
she controlled her daughter the philter was as naught. It is adminis¬ 
tered indifferently, by man or woman, and is frequently used by the 
Eskimo.” 


From the following list it will be observed that this owl very seldom 
is found breeding in this state: 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

Bradford. 

J. L. Camp. 

Winter visitor. 

Do. . 

A. T. Lilley. 

Migrant. 

Berjis. 

Jonas Stern. 

Migrant in winter. 

Do. 

I). F. Keller. 

Winter visitor. 

Bucks, . 

S. Edward Paschall. 

Winter visitor. 

Clinton,. 

Dr. Van Fleet. 

Migrant. 

Chester,. 

B. H. Warren,. 

Winter resident. 

Dauphin. 

W. W. Stoey. 

Migrant; possibly breeds. 

Erie. 

G. B. Sennett. 

Migrant. 

Lycoming. 

A. Kock. 

Migrant; possibly breeds. 

Lackawanna. 

G. P. Friant. 

Winter visitor. 

Lehigh. 

J. F. Kocher,. 

Migrant. 

Lancaster. 

Dr. A. C. Treichler. 

Common in winter; breeds occasionally. * 

Lebanon. 

Geo. R. Ross. 

Winter visitor. 

Montgomery. 

Thomas S. Gillin,. 

Common in winter. 

Northampton. 

O. B. Hark. 

Winter resident. 

Do. .... 

Dr. J. W. Detwiller. 

Migrant. 

Perry. 

H. J. Roddy. 

Migrant. 

Philadelphia. 

Rev. Joseph Johnson. 

Winter visitor. 

Do. .... 

J. P. Ball. 

Migrant. 

Venango,. 

J. R. Robertson. 

Migrant. 

Washington. 

J. S. Nease. 

Winter visitor. 

Do. .... 

M. Compton. 

Winter visitor. 

Do. .... 

W. T. Warrick, . 

Winter visitor. 


Nuttall says: “ Its food is almost exclusively mice, for which it watches, 
seated on a stump, with all the vigilance of a cat, listening attentively 
to the low squeak of its prey, to which it is so much alive as to be some¬ 
times brought in sight by imitating the sound.” In the disgorged pel¬ 
lets of this species examined by Audubon, he found the remains of bones 
of small quadrupeds, mixed with hair, and remains of various beetles. 

The food of eleven of these owls examined by me will be found in the 


following table 


No. 

Date. 

1 

Jan. 

4. 

1880. 

2 

Jan. 

5, 

1880. 

3 

Mar. 

17, 

1882. 

4 

Nov. 

13, 

1883. 

5 

Nov. 

7, 

1883. 

« 

Nov. 

1 . 

1885. 

T 

Mar. 


1880. 

8 

Nov. 

21. 

1880. 

9 

Nov. 

2a, 

1880. 

10 

Nov. 

27, 

1880. 

11 

Dec. 

8, 

1880. 


Locality. 


Chester county, Pa. 

Chester county. Pa., . 

Purchased at Philadelphia Market. 

Delaware county, Pa. 

Cecil county, Md.,. 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Chester county, Pa. 


Food-Materials. 


Field mice. 

Field mice. 

Field mice. 

Field mice. 

Field mice. 

Beetles and field mice. 
Beetles and field mice. 
Field mice. 

Field mice. 

Field mice. 

Field mice. 


l nave iouna ine owamp ur oiiunz-caicu vTTi —— — — -— — -- *= ... 

leads me to believe that it breeds here, sometimes, or at least on the Blue mountains, in the vicinity of 
Colebrook and Mt. Gretna. "—Treichler. 























































































150 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus SYRNIUM Savigny. 

Syrnium nebulosum (Forst.). 

Barred Owl ; Rain Owl. 

Description ( Plate 87). 

“Head large, without ear-tufts ; tail rather long ; upper parts light ashy-brown, 
frequently tinged with dull-yellow, with transverse narrow' bands of white, most 
numerous on the head and neck behind, broader on the back ; breast with transverse 
bands of broton and white ; abdomen ashy-white, with longitudinal stripes of brown; 
tarsi and toes ashy-white, tinged with fulvous, generally without spots, but fre¬ 
quently mottled and banded with dark-brown ; quills brown, with six or seven 
tran verse bars, nearly pure-white, on the outer webs, and ashy-fulvous on the inner 
webs ; tail light brown, with about five bands of white, generally tinged with reddish- 
yellow ; discal feathers * tipped with white; face ashy-white, with lines of brown, 
and a spot of black in front of the eye ; throat dark-brown ; claws horn-color ; bill 
yellow; irides bluish-black. Sexes alike. 

Total length about 20 inches ; extent about 44 ; wing 13 to 14 ; tail 9 inches.” B. 
B. N. A. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, west to Minnesota and Texas, north to Nova 
Scotia and Quebec. 

The Barred Owl is readily distinguished from other species by its 
large size, yellow-colored bill and its black eyes. Barred Owls are ex¬ 
ceedingly abundant in many of the southern states, where they are 
known by the names of “ Hoot and Swamp Owls.” In Pennsylvania this 
owl is found all months of the year, and in many of the mountainous 
and lieavy-wooded regions it is the most common of all the owls. The 
Barred Owl lays its eggs in a hollow tree, or in a deserted nest of a hawk 
or crow; the white eggs are a little under 2 inches long by about If 
wide. The Barred and Great Horned Owls are the only species, in this 
locality, whose depredations in the poultry yard bring them to the no¬ 
tice of the farmer. Unfortunately, however, the hatred towards these 
two birds, and particularly the enmity against the Great Homed Owls, 
has brought all our owls in bad favor; the farmer’s boy and sportsman, 
with few exceptions, let no opportunity pass to pillage an owl’s nest 
or slay its owners. In this way, there are annually destroyed large 
numbers of the Screech, Long-eared and Short-eared species, simply be¬ 
cause the popular idea is that owls, large and small, prey only on poul¬ 
try and game. 

Wilson says, although mice and small game are the most usual food 
of Barred Owls, they sometimes seize on fowls, partridges and young 
rabbits. 

“ The Barred Owl subsists principally upon small birds, field mice 
and reptiles. He is frequently seen, in early twilight, flying over the 
low meadow lands, searching for the mice that dwell there; he usually 
takes a direct course, and sometimes flies so low that the tips of his 
wings seem to touch the grass. When he discovers his prey he drops 


* Radiating feathers stirrounding the eyes. 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


151 


on it instantly, folding- his wings and protruding his feet, in which his 
quarry is always secured; he often captures frogs that are sitting on 
the shores of ponds and rivers; but I am inclined to think that the 
statement, quoted by Audubon, that he often catches fish, is incor¬ 
rect.”— Samuels* 

The Florida Barred Owl—a local race, technically called Syrnium 
nebulosum alleni —is exceedingly abundant about the almost impenetrable 
swamps and heavily-timbered regions along the St. John’s river. In 
the winter of 1885, I was informed by two residents of Florida, both 
gentlemen whom I consider thoroughly trustworthy, that this owl fre¬ 
quently preys on fish, which it secures, while sitting close to the water’s 
edge, by a dextrous movement of the foot. The stomach contents of 
five of these Florida Owls, which I examined, consisted only of the 
remains of small birds and coleopterous insects. 

Referring to this species, Nuttall says: Their food is principally 
rabbitts, squirrels, grouse, quails, rats, mice and frogs. From necessity, 
as well as choice, they not unfrequently appear around the farmhouse 
and garden, in quest of poultry, particularly young chickens. At these 
times they prowl abroad toward evening, and fly low and steadily about, 
as if beating for their prey. 

The stomach contents of eight of these owls which I have examined 
are recorded in the following table: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

Oct. 28. 1879. . . . 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Field mice and beetles. 

2 

Nov. 17, 1879. . . . 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles and small bird (Robin). 

3 

Jan. — , 1880, . . . 

Chester county. Pa.. . . 

Field mice. 

4 

Jan. 11. 188!. . . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Remains of chicken and field mice. 

5 

Jan. 20. 1883. . . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Field mice and small bird (Meadowlark). 

6 

Jan. 12. 1834. . . . 

Chester county. Pa.. . . 

Beetles and chicken feathers. 

7 

Dec. 16. 1886. . . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Remains of rabbit ( Lepus). 

8 

Nov. 18. 1887, . . . 

Cecil county, Md. 

Fragments of beetles and bones of small mammal. 


Genus ULULA Cuvier. 


Ulula cinerea (Gmel.). 

Great Gray Owl. 


Description. 


A very large round-headed owl, without ear tufts ; although much larger, resem¬ 
bles somewhat the Barred Owl, but can be easily distinguished from the latter. 

Length (female) 28; extent about 56; wing 17, tail 12 ; bill and eyes yellow ; claws 
long and very sharp and dusky. Above dark-brown, feathers variously spotted, 
mottled or barred with fine grayish-white markings ; lower parts similar but more 
grayish, with longitudinal streaks on breast, and cross bars of white and dusky on 
flanks ; face grayish-white with numerous narrow rings of dusky ; a patch of black 
about eyes on either side of bill. 

Habitat .—Arctic America, straggling southward in winter, to the northern border 
of the United States. 


* Our Northern and Eastern Birds, byE. A. Samuels, p. 74. 



























152 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Tiiis owl, one of tlie largest, if not the largest in North America, is 
found in Pennsylvania only as a very rare and irregular straggler in 
winter. Twenty or more years ago a specimen was captured in Chester 
county in midwinter by H. B. Graves. About eight years ago Dr. I. F. 
Everhart, of Scranton, found one dead in the mountains in Lackawanna 
county. Mr. Geo. B. Sennett tells me one was found a few years ago in 
the smoke stack of a steamboat at Erie city. Geo. B. Perry, Susque¬ 
hanna county, and H. J. Roddy, Perry county, also mention this owl as 
a straggler. 


Genus NYCTALA Brehm. 

Nyctala acadica (Gmel.). 

Acadian Owl; Saw-whet Owl. 

Description ( Plate 87). 

“Small; wings long ; tail short; upper parts reddish-brown, tinged with olive ; 
head in front with fine lines of white, and on the neck behind, rump, and scapulars, 
with large, partially concealed spots of white ; face ashy-white ; throat white ; under 
parts ashy-white, with longitudinal stripes of pale reddish-brown ; under coverts of 
wings and tail white ; quills brown, with small spots of white on their outer edges, 
and large spots of the same on their inner webs ; tail brown, every feather with 
about three pairs of spots of white ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow. 

Total length about to 8 inches; extent about 18 ; wing 5^ ; tail 2^ to 3 inches. 
Sexes nearly the same size and alike in colors.” — B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. — North America at large ; breeding from Middle States northward. 

The Acadian is the smallest owl found in the United States east of 
the Mississippi river. Although apparently larger, it is in reality 
smaller, than our common robin. This pigmy mass of owl-life is, I sup¬ 
pose, the species which was regarded as not destructive to poultry and 
game, by the author of the “ Scalp Act,” when he introduced therein a 
clause exempting “The Arcadian Screech or Barn Owl.” From the fact, 
however, that the decapitated heads of pheasants,* nighthawks, 
chickens, cuckoos, shrikes, and doubtless other birds, were cremated and 
paid for as the heads of destructive, rapacious “hawks,” it is but reason¬ 
able to suppose that our little Acadian Owl, when found by the eager 
scalp hunter, was generally slain, and the bounty of fifty cents given 
“for the benefit of agriculture and for the protection of game.” 

The name Saw-whet is applied to this bird because, at times, its 
squeaky voice resembles the wlieting or filing of a saw. Owing to the 
small size of this owl, together with the fact that during the daytime it 
remains secreted in hollow trees, thick foliage or in dark and secluded 

*In December, 1886, Prof. S. F. Baird informed me that he had received for identification, from several 
counties in Pennsylvania, the heads of Pheasants (Bonasa umbellus). These heads were called by the 
parties sending them to Prof. Baird ‘ ‘ Hawk heads, ” and as such they had been presented for the fifty - 
cent bounty, which had been paid. Prof. Baird also examined some Pennsylvania ‘ ‘ wolf scalps, ” on 
which premiums had been given, and ascertained that the so-called “wolf scalps’’had been fashioned 
from pelts of the common Red Fox ( Vulpee fulvus). 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


153 


rocky retreats, it is seldom met with, hence is regarded as one of onr 
rarest residents. The young of this bird, taken in the vicinity of Phila¬ 
delphia, have been seen by Prof. Gentry, and in E. A. Samuel’s work, 
“ Out Northern and Eastern Birds ,” the following interesting account is 
given by Richard Christ of a nest that he found April 25, 1867, at 
Nazareth, Pennsylvania: 

“ This, the smallest of all our owls, is also the most rare, but a single 
specimen being seen in a period of several years. It is very tame when 
found, permitting one to approach very close to it before flying away. 
I am inclined to think that it sees less in the daytime than any other 
species of our owls, for one can touch it without being noticed, the bird 
taking flight more from alarm to its sense of hearing than any other 
cause. 

“ It generally frequents stone quarries or piles of rocks, beneath which 
it takes shelter; and it is from this habit that the bird here is known by 
the name of ‘Stone Owl.’ On the 25th of April, 1867, I was so fortu¬ 
nate as to find the nest of one of these birds. It was placed or located 
in the hollow of a tree, about twenty feet from the ground; the en¬ 
trance to the hole was very small, scarcely two inches in diameter. On 
climbing the tree and looking in the hollow, I discovered sitting on the 
bottom what I supposed might be a small owl. Uncertain as to the 
truth, I introduced a small stick into the hole, and turned the bird over 
upon her side, she making no struggle whatever, but remaining per¬ 
fectly still as if dead. I discovered that she was sitting upon a single egg. 
Supposing that she had but just commenced laying, I left her, and did 
not molest her again for several days; on the fifth day after I again ex¬ 
amined the nest, and found the bird on her egg, none other having been 
laid. I enlarged the hole, and took the egg, leaving the owl quietly sit¬ 
ting on the rotten chips which formed the bottom of the nest. 

“ The egg was white with a bluish tint, like many of the other owls’ 
eggs, nearly globular in form, and considerably smaller than the egg of 
the Red or Mottled Owl.” 

Dr. Elliott Coues, in his “ Birds of the Northwest ,” says: “ Mr. Gentry 
informs me of a curious circumstance in regard to this owl. Referring 
to the association of the Burrowing Owl of the west with the prairie 
dog, he continues: ‘In the hollow of an oak tree, not far from German¬ 
town, lives an individual of the common chickaree squirrel ( Seiurus 
hudsonius ), with a specimen of this little owl as his sole companion. 
They occupy the same hole together in perfect harmony and mutual 
good-will. It is not an accidental, temporary association, for the bird 
and the squirrel have repeatedly been observed to enter the same hole 
together, as if they had always shared the apartment. But what benefit 
can either derive from the other ? ’ ” 

Mr. Otto Behr writes me as follows of this species: “ The Acadian 
Owl is quite common here (Lopez, Sullivan county), though not often 





154 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


seen; the young* leave the nest about the first week in May. They make 
a noise which sounds like a dog “sniffing” the air. The noise gave me 
quite a start the first time I heard it. It being at night in heavy timber, 
and as it seemed to come from overhead somewhere, I supposed it was 
a bear or some such animal up a tree near by.” 

This little owl, although sometimes known to prey on small quad¬ 
rupeds, principally mice, and at times on small birds, such as sparrows 
and warblers, subsists mainly on the larger species of insects which it 
is able to secure in its nocturnal wanderings. 

The stomach contents of seven of these owls, which I have examined, 
are given in the following table: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials* 

1 

Aug. 30, 1879. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Grasshoppers. 

2 

Nov. 11, 1881. 

Delaware county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

3 

Nov. 10, 1883. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Grasshoppers. 

4 

Nov. 10, 1883. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and other Insects. 

5 

Sept. 20, .1884. 

Chester county, Pa... 

Mouse and insects. 

6 

July —, 1887. 

Venango county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

7 

Dec. —, 1889. 

Elk county, Pa.-. 

Mouse and spider. 


Genus MEGASCOPS Kaup. 

Megascops asio (Linn.). 

Screech Owl; Red Owl; Mottled Owl; Gray OwL 

Description (Plate 18). 

Adult or young Screech Owls may be either red or gray in color. The nestlings 
are white. This species measures about 10 inches in length ; extent of wings about 
22 inches. 

Habitat .—Temperate eastern North America, south to Georgia and west to the 
plains. Accidental in England. 

This handsome little owl is the most common of all owls found in 
Pennsylvania. It is resident, but, unlike the long-eared species, is not 
gregarious. Its almost spherical and white eggs—four to six in num¬ 
ber (mostly four)—are deposited in a hollow tree. A tree in an apple 
orchard is frequently made use of for breeding purposes, as well as a 
common diurnal resort at all seasons. The eggs measure about 1.33 by 
1.18 inches. This bird, when taken from the nest and raised, makes a 
very interesting pet, one that not only becomes attached to its master, 
but which also is capable of rendering him most efficient services in the 
destruction of mice, whose vexatious ravages are frequently so annoying. 
Some few years ago an acquaintance of mine placed two of these birds 
in his cellar which was overrun with mice, and in a few weeks the place 
was depopulated of these little four-footed pests. 

A Screech Owl which I kept for several months in captivity fed 
eagerly on grasshoppers and pieces of fresh beef. When a mouse was 
given to this bird it would seize it with its claws, and after severing 
























BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


155 


with its bill the skin about the head and neck, would swallow the whole 
mass, always, I think, head foremost. When it fed on small birds— 
which were frequently shot and placed in its box—but which it would 
seldom touch, I noticed that it generally tore open the skull and ate the 
brain substance. This owl would never drink water. 

“The flight of the Mottled Owl is smooth, rapid, protracted and 
noiseless. It rises at times above the top branches of the highest of 
our forest trees whilst in pursuit of large beetles; and at other times 
sails low and swiftly over the fields, or through the woods, in search of 
small birds, field mice, moles or wood rats, from which it chiefly derives 
its subsistance. Sometimes on alighting, which it does plumply, the 
Mottled Owl immediately bends its body, turns its head to look behind 
it, performs a curious nod, utters its notes, then shakes and plumes 
itself, and resumes its flight in search of prey. It now and then, while 
on the wing, produces a clicking sound with its mandibles, but more 
frequently when perched near its mate or young. This I have thought 
was done by the bird to manifest its courage, and let the hearer know 
that it is not to be meddled with; although few birds of prey are more 
gentle when seized, as it will suffer a person to touch its feathers and 
\ caress it without attempting to bite or strike with its talons, unless at 
I: rare intervals. 

“ The notes of this owl are uttered in a tremulous, doleful manner, and 
| somewhat resemble the chattering of the teeth of a person under the 
influence of extreme cold, although much louder. They are heard at a 
distance of several hundred yards, and by some people are thought to 
be of ominous import.” 

“ The little fellow is generally found about farm-houses, orchards and 
| gardens. It alights on the roof, the fence or the garden gate, and utters 
j its mournful ditty, at intervals, for hours at a time, as if it were in a 
j state of great suffering, although this is far from being the case—the 
song of all birds being an indication of content and happiness. In a 
state of confinement it utters its notes with as much satisfaction as if at 
| liberty. They are chiefly heard during the latter part of winter—that 
1 being the season of love, when the male bird is particularly attentive to 
the fair one, which excites his tender emotions, and around which he 
! flies and struts much in the manner of the common pigeon, adding 
i numerous nods and bows, the sight of which is very amusing.”— Audubon. 

The following interesting account of the methods employed by an 
! enthusiastic oologist is taken from a letter written to me, October, 1889, 

! by Mr. O. B. Hark, of Bethlehem: “ Have you ever heard of fixing 

holes for Sparrow Hawks and Screech Owls ? Mr. John Mack, the best 
i climber I ever met, every spring cleans out old holes, enlarges such as 
are too small, etc., and finds it pays him well; this spring he got ninety 
Sparrow Hawk eggs and every one was taken out of holes fixed by him ; 
at one time he put the leg of an old rubber boot in a hollow tree and 








156 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


several weeks later took a batch of Screech Owl’s eggs out of it. An¬ 
other singular experience he had with owls is, he made a hole in a wil¬ 
low tree; when he came to look after it again he found owls had taken 
possession of it and had nearly filled it with field mice; he said there 
were enough mice in it to fill his derby hat. This happened just 
before a heavy snow storm and about ten days later every mouse was 
gone.” 

Mr. L. M. Turner informs me that he has made a number of exami¬ 
nations of Screech Owls captured in Illinois, and very generally found 
their food consisted of such insects as the larger beetles and grasshop¬ 
pers, also many mice. Grasshoppers and other orthopterous insects are 
devoured in large quantities by these birds. 

During the summer months and at other times when insect life is 
abundant the Screech Owls subsist mainly on an insect diet. These birds 
also prey* on mice, shrews, other small quadrupeds and small birds. In 
the twenty-seven stomach examinations, which I have recorded, of birds 
taken principally in the winter season, seventeen had fed on mice and 
insects; five, small birds; three, mice and insects; two, small birds and 
insects. 


Genus BUBO Cuvier. 

Bubo virginianus (Gmel.). 

Great Horned Owl; Hoot Owl. 

Description (Plate 19). 

Length (female) 21 to 24 inches ; extent about 5 feet; tail about 9 inches ; male 19 
to 23 long ; extent about 50 to 53 inches. Can be distinguished by its large size and 
long ear-tufts. Plumage blackish, brownish, dusky, grayish and whitish in mix¬ 
ture ; throat and middle of breast white. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, west to the Mississippi Valley, and Irom Lab¬ 
rador south to Costa Rica. 

This well-known and rather common inhabitant of the forests can 
easily be recognized by its large size, the conspicuous white feathers of 
the throat and the long-ear tufts which measure 2| inches or more in 
length. The Great Horned, the largest of all our native owls, is the 
first to commence nesting. I have found its eggs in February, and am 
told that it occasionally lays in January. In this locality the Great 
Horned Owl seldom breeds in hollow trees; sometimes it constructs a 
rude and bulky nest of sticks, lined with grasses and feathers, on the 
large horizontal limbs of trees in its favorite wooded retreats. Its eggs, 
measuring about 2J inches in length by 2 inches in width, are mostly 
deposited in the deserted nests of hawks or crows. Although it is stated 
by different writers that this species lays four or more eggs, I have 
never found, in seven nests examined, over two eggs or a like number of 
young. Mr. Thomas H. Jackson, of West Chester, Pa., writing in the 

♦This species, and also the Great Horned Owl, is said to prey occasionally on fishes. 


f 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


157 


Ornithologist and Oologist, June, 1886, says: “ In thirteen nests of this 

bird that have come under personal notice, twelve contained two eggs, 
or young, and only one contained three eggs. All the nests referred to 
above were placed in branches of trees and were generally those of 
hawks or crows, renovated or enlarged. Occasionally a hollow tree is 
used for this purpose. Upon one occasion I replaced the owl’s eggs 
taken from a nest with those of the common hen, and upon visiting them 
at the expiration of three weeks, found that both the latter had been 
hatched and had fallen from the nest, about twenty feet from the ground, 
and that the owls had deserted the locality. The Great Horned Owls 
are liberal providers for their young. I have frequently found full 
grown rabbits lying in the nest beside the young, and scarcely a nest 
visited did not have a strong odor of skunk, while bones and feathers 
were scattered around attesting to the predacious habits of the proprie¬ 
tors.” “ The flight of the Great Homed Owl is elevated, rapid and 
graceful. It sails with apparent ease and in large circles, in the manner 
of an eagle, rises and descends without the least difficulty by merely 
inclining its wings or its tail as it passes through the air. Now and 
then it glides silently close over the earth with incomparable velocity, 
and drops, as if shot dead, on the prey beneath. At other times, it sud¬ 
denly alights on the top of a fence stake or a dead stump, shakes its 
feathers, arranges them, and utters a shriek so horrid that the woods 
around echo to its dismal sound. Now, it seems as if you heard the 
barking of a cur dog; again the notes are so rough and mingled together 
that they might be mistaken for the last gurglings of a murdered person 
striving in vain to call for assistance; at another time, when not more 
than fifty yards distant, it utters its more usual hoo, hoo, lioo-e, in so 
peculiar an undertone that a person unacquainted with the notes of this 
species might easily conceive them to be produced by an owl more than 
a mile distant. During the utterance of all these unmusical cries it 
moves its body, and more particularly its head, in various ways, putting 
them into positions, all of which appear to please it much, however gro¬ 
tesque they may seem to the eye of man. In the interval following each 
cry it snaps its bill.”— Audubon. 

These owls, like the preceding species, are not migratory and when 
not engaged in breeding lead a solitary existence. Although chiefly 
nocturnal in habits, Great Horned Owls are often seen in cloudy weather 
and in the early twilight searching for food. On one occasion, when the 
sun was shining brightly (about 10 a. m.), I saw one of these owls make 
two attempts to catch a hen and her young chicks. 

Audubon says: Its food consists chiefly of the larger species of galli¬ 
naceous birds, half-grown wild turkeys, pheasants and domestic poultry 
of all kinds, together with several species of ducks. Hares, young opos¬ 
sums and squirrels are equally agreeable to it, and whenever chance 
throws a dead fish on the shore the Great Homed Owl feeds with pecu¬ 
liar avidity on it.” 





158 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Nuttall tells us they usually prey on young rabbits, squirrels, rats, 
mice, quails and small birds of various kinds ; and when these resources 
fail or diminish, they occasionally prowl* pretty boldly around the farm¬ 
yard in quest of chickens, which they seize on the roost. 

My own records of sixteen examinations of Great Horned Owls, which, 
with one exception, were all taken during the winter months, revealed 
in eleven individuals only remains of poultry; two others, portions of 
rabbits, and of the three remaining birds of this series it was found that 
one had taken two mice ; another showed small amount of hair, appar¬ 
ently that of an opossum. The sixteenth and last bird contained a 
mouse and parts of beetles. 

Genus NYCTEA Stephens. 

Nyctea nyctea (Linn.). 

Snowy Owl. 

Description (Plate 88). 

Length from 20 to 24 inches : extent 4± to 5 feet; tail between 9 and 10 inches long; 
tarsi and toes densely covered with long hair-like feathers ; black bill almost hidden 
by long feathers ; plumage white, with brownish or blackish spots and bars ; throat, 
face, feet and middle of breast whitest. The female is largest and much darker than 
male ; eyes rather small and yellow ; no ear tufts. 

Habitat. —Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, 
breeding mostly north of the United States ; in winter migrating south to the mid¬ 
dle states, straggling to South Carolina, Texas and the Bermudas. 

The Snowy Owl rendered so conspicuous by its large size and white 
plumage is a native of the Arctic regions. This owl is found in Penn¬ 
sylvania only as a winter visitant. Although specimens are taken nearly 
every winter, this species is most frequently observed during excessively 
severe winters. Usually solitary birds are observed, but sometimes 
parties of six, eight or even a dozen are seen together. 

Wilson says: “Unlike most of his tribe he hunts by day as well as by 
twilight, and is particularly fond of frequenting the shores and banks 
of shallow rivers, over the surface of which he slowly sails, or sits on a 
rock a little raised above the water watching for fish. These he seizes 
with a sudden and instantaneous stroke of the foot, seldom missing his 
aim.” Nuttall writes: “He ventures abroad boldly at all seasons, and ~ 
like the hawks, seeks his prey by daylight as well as dark, skimming 
aloft and reconnoitring his prey, which is commonly the White Grouse, 
or some other birds of the same genus, as well as hares. On these he 
darts from above, and rapidly seizes them in his resistless talons. At 
times he watches for fish, and condescends also to prey upon rats, mice 
and even carrion.” 


NO. 

Date. 

Localitv. 

FOOD-MATERIAL8. 

1 

Winter, 1879. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Rabbit. 

2 

Winter, 1879. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Meat, apparently beef. 

3 

December 16, 1885,. 

Delaware county, Pa. 

Common rat. 





















BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


159 


Genus STJRNXA Dumeril. 
Surnia ulula caparoch (Mull.). 

American Hawk Owl. 


Description. 

“General form rather long but robust; size medium ; head moderate, without ear 
tufts; facial disc obsolete ; legs rather short and densely feathered to toes; winers 
rather long ; first, four quills incised on inner webs ; tail long with its central feath- 
ers about two inches longer than the outer. Upper parts fuliginous brown, with num¬ 
erous partially concealed circular spots on the neck behind scapulars and wing- 
coverts. Face grayish-white ; throat white with longitudinal stripes of dark brown; 
a large brown spot on each side of breast; other under parts with transverse lines 
or stripes of pale ashy-brown ; quills and tail brown, with bands of white ; bill pale 
yellowish ; iris yellow. Color of upper parts darker on head, and the white mark¬ 
ings more or less numerous in different specimens.” (Length 15 to \1\ inches ; ex¬ 
tent about 33 ; tail 7 or little less.)— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Arctic America, migrating in winter to the northern border of the United 
States. Occasional in England. 

This curious bird partakes of the general appearance, and also the 
habits, of both a hawk and an owl, and is said to be principally diurnal. 

Very rare and irregular winter visitor from the north. Joseph Krider 
has a specimen captured some few years ago, near Philadelphia, in mid¬ 
winter. 

Messrs. B. C. Wrenshall, Allegheny county, J. F. Kitcham, Bradford 
county, and J. G. Bohn, report the capture of stragglers. 


Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos. 

Suborder CUCULI. Cuckoos. 

Family CUCULIDjE. Cuckoos, Anis 

THE CUCKOOS. 

Two species of this family are found in Pennsylvania as summer residents. These, 
the Black and Yellow-billed Cuckoos, can be recognized by the following characters: 
Bill curved, black or yellow, and about as long as head. Tail, often graduated, with 
spotted and long feathers ; loral feathers soft; four toes arranged in pairs, the outer 
versatile and directed somewhat laterally ; feet are weak ; chiefly arboreal in habits. 
A specimen of the Ani ( Crotophaga ani , Linn ), a species which inhabits the West 
Indies and eastern South America, was taken near Philadelphia, September, 1849. 





160 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Subfamily COCCYG-IN^. American Cuckoos. 

Genus COCCYZUS Vieillot. 

Coccyzus americanus (Linn.). 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Rain Crow ; Kow-bird. 

Description ( Plate 89). 

Length about 12 inches; extent about 15£ ; tail about 6§ ; upper mandible, except 
edges, which are yellow like the lower, and tip of latter yellow. Above grayish- 
olive with metallic reflections ; below white ; middle tail feathers longest and like 
back, rest black with white tips, each spot being about one inch long ; iris brown ; 
naked legs bluish. 

Habitat. —Temperate North America, from New Brunswick, Canada, Minnesota, 
Nevada and Oregon south to Costa Rica and the West Indies. Less common from 
the eastern border of the plains westward. 

This species is easily known by the yellow under mandible, the broadly 
white-tipped tail feathers and the bright cinnamon markings of the 
wings. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a common summer resident, arrives 
in Pennsylvania about the last week in April, and returns generally to 
its southern winter resorts by the latter part of September. The com¬ 
mon names of Bain Crow and Kow-bird given to both the Yellow and 
Black-billed Cuckoos arise from their peculiar and loud gutteral notes 
of Kow , Kow, which are, it is said, most clamorous at the approach of 
rain. Both species are also known in some sections of this state by the 
name of Indian Hen. The cuckoos are much more frequently heard 
than seen, unless it is at times when they dart from one tree to another, 
or into the thick foliage of bushes. The nest of this species is loosely 
built of small sticks lined with grasses, and placed usually on the low 
limb of a tree; sometimes, however, it is found in thick bushes. The 
eggs, generally two or four, are light greenish-blue in color and meas¬ 
ure about 1.24 inches in length, and about .90 of an inch in width. 
Writing of this species Audubon says: “It robs smaller birds of their 
eggs, which it sucks on all occasions, and is cowardly and shy, without 
being vigilant. On this latter account it often falls a prey to several 
species of hawks, of which the Pigeon Hawk may be considered as its 
most dangerous enemy. It prefers the southern states for its residence, 
and when very mild winters occur in Louisiana, some individuals remain 
there, not finding it necessary to go farther south. They feed on in¬ 
sects, such as caterpillars and butterflies, as well as on berries of many 
kinds, evincing a special prediliction for the mulberry. In autumn they 
eat many grapes. They now and then descend to the ground to pick 
up a wood-snail or a beetle.” 

According to Wilson the diet of this species consists for the most part 
of caterpillars, particularly such as infest apple trees. They also eat 
various kinds of berries, but from the circumstances of destroying such 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


161 


numbers of very noxious larvae, they prove themselves the friends of the 
farmer and are highly deserving of his protection. 

In the stomachs of nine of these birds I found the following food ma¬ 
terials : 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

July 15. 1879. 

West Bradford. Pa. 

Grasshoppers and snails (helix). 

2 

! July 15. 1879. 

Pocopson, Pa. 

Beetles (on apple tree). 

3 

| June 5. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa., ... 

Caterpillars (feeding in apple orchard), 

4 

June 5. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Caterpillars and fragments of beetles. 

5 

' June 5. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Caterpillars. 

6 

l May 20. 1883. 

Westchester, Pa. 

Beetles. 

7 

1 June 1, 1883. 

Pocapson. Pa.,. 

Stomach gorged with insects, chiefly cater¬ 
pillars (feeding in locust trees). 

8 

June 1, 1883. 

I July 26, 1883. 

Pocopson, Pa. 

Many caterpillars and fragments of beetles 
(feeding in locust trees). 

9 


Chester county, Pa. 

Berries. 


Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wils.)- 

Black-billed Cuckoo : Rain Crow; Kow-bird. 

Description (Plate 89). 

Size about same as Yellow-billed species ; bill entirely black (bluish-black about 
base of lower mandible). Above bronzy grayish-brown, with greenish tint; below 
white tinged with grayish and traces of yellowish especially on fore-parts; naked 
eyelids bright red. Tail feathers with very small white tips ; eyes brown ; legs pale 
bluish lead color. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, from Labrador and Manitoba south to the West 
Indies and the valley of the Amazon ; west to the Rocky mountains. Accidental in 
the British Islands and Italy. 

This species is found in Pennsylvania only as a summer resident. It 
arrives generally a few days after the Yellow-billed has made its appear¬ 
ance, and returns to its southern winter resorts about two weeks, Audu¬ 
bon says, earlier than the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 

In February, 1885, I saw several of these birds in the Florida orange 
orchards. The nest, a frail structure of twigs, bark, and in some in¬ 
stances blossoms of different plants, is placed on alow tree or bush. The 
eggs, usually two or four, are mostly a trifle smaller and darker in color 
than those of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Both species, according to my 
observation, always build their own nests, and never, like the Cow Bunting, 
deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds. The Rain Crows are ex¬ 
tremely cowardly, and if attacked by any of their feathered neighbors, 
whose nests they sometimes pillage, they immediately fly off and con¬ 
ceal themselves in the dusky retreats of a tree or bush. In relation to 
this bird, Audubon says : “ The flight of this species is swifter than that 
of its near relative, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo ? for which bird it is easily 
mistaken by ordinary observers. It does not so much frequent the in¬ 
terior of woods, but appears along their margins, on the edges of creeks 
and damp places. The most remarkable distinction, however, between 
this species and the Yellow-billed Cuckoo is, that the former, instead of 
11 Birds. 




























162 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

feeding' principally on insects and fruits, procures fresh-water shell-fish 
and aquatic larvae for its sustenance. It is, therefore, more frequently 
seen on the ground, near the edges of the water, or descending along 
the drooping branches of trees to their extremities, to seize the insects 
in the water beneath them.” In the adult plumage the Yellow-billed and 
the Black-billed Cuckoos, when flying, can be distinguished, if you bear in 
mind that in the former the long tail feathers, with large white tips, are 
very conspicuous; on the other hand, the white tips on the tail feathers 
of the Black-billed are not well marked. This bird, as well as the Yel¬ 
low-billed Cuckoo, I have observed, subsists largely on the tent cater¬ 
pillars, which are so numerous at times on our various fruit and shade 
trees. It also feeds on beetles, grasshoppers, snails and earth-worms. 


Suborder ALCYONES. Kingfishers. 

Family ALCEDINIDJE. Kingfishers. 

Genus CERYLE Boie. 

Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). 

Belted Kingfisher. 

Description ( Plate 20). 

Length about 13 inches ; extent of wings about 22 inches. 

Bill long,^straight and sharp ; legs small; outer and middle toes united to their 
middle ; head has long crest; plumage of upper parts, dull leaden blue, more or less 
streaked with black ; feathers of sides, wings, and broad band across breast, dull blue 
like back ; spot in front of eye, white ; tail with transverse bands and white spots. 
Female similar but barred across belly, and feathers on sides reddish-brown. 

Habitat. —North America, south to Panama and the West Indies. 

Kingfishers are common along our rivers, streams and ponds, about 
which they are found at all seasons, unless forced to migrate southward 
by excessively cold weather. The loud and harsh cry of this bird, as 
Wilson has properly stated, is not unlike the noise made by twirling a 
watchman’s rattle. “It is uttered while moving from place to place, 
always on being disturbed, and even sometimes when he is about to 
plunge into the water for a fish. But especially it is heard at night 
when the male bird is returning to the nest with food for his mate and 
young.” — Gentry. Their eggs are deposited in holes which they exca¬ 
vate in the sides of banks, usually about the streams and ponds they 
frequent. On many occasions, I have discovered their nests in high em¬ 
bankments along public roads, railroad cuts and old quarries. The ex¬ 
cavations vary greatly in depth, but average about four or five feet; oc¬ 
casionally you find one straight, commonly, however, they are directed 
to the right or left of the main opening and terminate in quite a large 
cavity. The eggs (1.30 by 1.06 inches) are white and usually six in num- 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


163 


ber, although I have in several instances seen seven. The eggs, accord¬ 
ing to my observation, are invariably deposited on the bare earth. Mr. 
Gentry, however, tell us that he has “ in many instances known them to 
be deposited in a warm and cosy nest constructed of dried grasses and 
feathers.” Kingfishers feed almost entirely on fish. Their proficiency 
in catching small fish is such that they are in bad repute among the 
owners and proprietors of trout and carp ponds. Two gentlemen of my 
acquaintance were so greatly annoyed by the loss of gold-fish and trout, 
which had been sustained from the regular visits of several pairs of these 
birds, that they adopted the following means for their destruction: 
Stakes were driven down about the ponds in several places; the tops of 
the stakes were sufficiently large to support steel-traps, which were set, 
but not baited. The birds on visiting the ponds would invariably fly to 
one of the stakes and alight. In less than one week ten or twelve king¬ 
fishers were in this way trapped and killed. A friend of mine, some few 
years ago, informed me that he caught one of these birds on a hook and 
line, while fishing in the Brandywine, near Chadd’s Ford. My infor- 
j mant said he had a live bait (minnow) on his hook, and as he was wind¬ 
ing up his line on the reel, he saw a kingfisher plunge into the water 
at his bait, which it not only caught, but at the same time hooked 
and entangled itself so that it could not escape. One day B. M. 

I Everhart found a kingfisher lying on the bank of a small stream. On 
: making an investigation, Mr. Everhart ascertained that the bird was 
unable to fly, as its bill was tightly clasped in the grasp of a large fresh¬ 
water mussel. I have heard of two or three instances where kingfishers 
have been captured under similar circumstances, which would naturally 
lead one to suppose that they feed to a limited degree on the flesh of 
these bivalves. 

According to certain writers, this species is said to feed occasionally, 
though rarely, on insects. Mr. E. A. Samuels states that he once shot 
a kingfisher which had just seized a mouse ( Arvicola ). 

The stomach contents of fourteen kingfisher^ examined by myself are 
given in the following table: 


DATE. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

Feb. 3, 1879. 


Remains of fish. 

Feb. 26. 1879,. 

Newark, Del.,. 

Remains of fish. 

June 11, 1880,. 

Chester county. Fa.. . 

Remains of fish. 

Aug. 20. 1880,. 

Mar. 3, 1881,. 

Chester county. Pa., . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Remains of tish. 
Remains of fish. 

Apr. 26. 1881. 

Sept. 11, 1881. 

Nov. 28. 1882. 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Remains of fish. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

Apr. 20. 1882. 

May 30. 1882. 

Aug. 27. 1883. 

Apr. 1. 1884. 

July 20, 1885. 

Dec. 3, 1889. 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Remains of fish. 

Chester county. Pa.. 

Remains of fish. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Remains of fish. 

Dauphin county, Pa. 

Fish scales and bones 







































164 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Order PICT. Woodpeckers, Etc, 

Family PICHXffi. Woodpeckers. 

THE WOODPECKERS. 

Of this family there are, Dr. Coues states, nearly two hundred and fifty well deter¬ 
mined species of all parts of the world, except Madagascar, Australia and Polynesia. 
In all parts of the United States, about two dozen species, and many varieties 
(“races”) are given by different writers. I have found in Pennsylvania only seven 
species of the Woodpeckers, viz: The Hairy, Downy, Yellow-bellied, Pileated, Red¬ 
headed, Red-bellied and the Flicker. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker if now found 
here, occurs only as a straggler, and the Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides 
arcticus) has not been observed in Pennsylvania, so far as I can learn, for many 
years, probably not since Audubon met with it in the forests of the Pocono mount¬ 
ains, Monroe county. I can get no positive evidence that the American Three-toed 
Woodpecker (Picoides americanus , Brehm.) has been captured here, although 
a straggler is said to have been taken, some years ago (winter), in the mount¬ 
ains. The Pileated, Hairy and Downy are resident, being found in nearly all 
parts of the commonwealth. The Pileated, of course, is rare or not found at 
all, in thickly settled districts or sparsely wooded regions. The Red-headed 
and Flicker are common breeders and in many parts of the state, especially 
southward, they are resident; but never as abundant in winter as in the sum¬ 
mer season. The Red-bellied and Yellow-bellied are found with us, chiefly, 
during migrations ; and they breed in some localities. Lumbermen and hunters 
in the mountainous regions know the Pileated Woodpecker as “Woodcock” 
or “ Big-wood Picker.” The Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are improperlv 
termed, almost universally, by farmers, fruit-growers and sportsmen, “ Sapsuckers.” 
The Redhead is usually particularized by his proper vernacular name, and the 
Flicker is called by many High-holder and Golden-wing. The other species, occurr¬ 
ing here, do not appear to be designated by any particular names by the casual ob¬ 
server. Although woodpeckers make no efforts to build nests as other birds gene¬ 
rally do, they nevertheless prepare with great care and labor equally suitable recep¬ 
tacles for their eggs and young. Woodpeckers lay their eggs,* which are white, and 
usually number from four to six, on chips and bits of rotten wood in cavities which 
they excavate with their powerful and chisel-like or wedge-shaped bills, in the dead 
limbs or trunks of trees. These holes or nesting places—oftentimes dug to a con¬ 
siderable depth—at the mouth are often just sufficiently large to permit the birds to 
readily pass in and out ; from the entrance downward the diameter of these wooden 
burrows increase in size. The tongue of all our woodpeckers, with one exception, viz : 
the Yellow-bellied, is capable of being protruded beyond the point of the bill to a con¬ 
siderable extent. The cornua or horns of the tongue extending backward, curl up 
over the back of the skull; these horns are enveloped in muscles by the action of which 
the tongue is thrust out. This singular arrangement can easily be demonstrated by 
simply taking hold of the end of the tongue of a Flicker Ave will say, and as you move 
it backward and forward place a finger on the top of the bird’s head, and at once a pecu¬ 
liar, worm-like movement Avill be discovered as the horns run back and forth between 
the skin and bony covering of the head, beneath your finger. The end of the tongue 
in woodpeckers, other than the species above mentioned, is generally furnished on 
either side with little barbs, very similar in appearance to those found on small fish¬ 
hooks. In the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker the horns of the hyoid bone extend only 

* The following measurements will show about the average size of species which breed in tips State • 
Hairy Woodpecker, about 1 inch long and a little less than 5 wide. Downy Woodpecker, about 80 of an 
inch long by about .65 wide. Pileated Woodpecker about 1.25 of an inch long by 1 inch wide. Red¬ 
headed Woodpecker, a little over 1 inch long and about .85 of an inch in width. Flicker, about 1.10 Jong 
and .90 wide. Red-bellied about 1.00 long by about .80 wide. Yellow-bellied .90 long by .68 wide. 









BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


165 


to the base of the skull, hence the tongue is capable of but little extensibility; in 
place ot the barbs commonly seen, we find the end quite abundantly provided with 
‘•numerous bushy filaments.” The peculiar structure of their feet and sharp nails 
enable them by the additional support of the rigid tail, to ascend the trunks and 
limbs of trees with singular address and celerity, either in straight or spiral lines. 
From Coues’ Key to North American Birds”—a most valuable work and one 
which deservesa place in the library of all who desire to thoroughly acquaint them¬ 
selves with our feathered fauna—the following extract relative to these birds is taken : 
•* Species are abundant in all the wooded portion of this country and wherever found 
are nearly resident. For, although insectivorous, they feed principally upon dor¬ 
mant or at least stationary insects, and therefore need not migrate ; they are, more¬ 
over, hardy birds. They dig insects and their larvae out of trees, and are eminently 
beneficial to the agriculturist and fruit-grower. Contrary to prevalent impression, 
their boring does not seem to injure fruit trees, which may be riddled with holes 
without harmful results. The number of noxious insects these birds destroy is 
simply incalculable ; what little fruit some of them steal is not to be mentioned in 
the same connection, and they deserve the good will of all. The birds of the genus 
Sphyrapicus are probably an exception to most of these statements. But wood¬ 
peckers also feed largely upon nuts, berries and other fruits ; and those which thus 
vary their fare to the greatest extent are apt to be more or less migratory, like the 
common Red-head for example. Woodpeckers rarely, if ever, climb head down¬ 
ward, like Nuthatches, nor are the tarsi applied to their support.” 

The notes of tlmse birds, uttered when on the wing, likewise when at rest, are 
loud and unmusical. Woodpeckers, with the exception of the Flicker, are not 
usually observed to alight on the ground. Insects which lie under the bark are 
readily discovered by the Avoodpecker, who gives a sharp tap Avith his bill, and then 
placing his head close to the tree, listens attentively to hear the movements of his 
favorite prey. As soon as he discovers a beetle or a grub moving in its snug retreat 
the bark or other coA^ering of the luckless insect is torn aAvay and the crawling crea¬ 
ture is captured. 

The large chisel-like bill, the stiff tail-leathers, which gradually taper to a point, 
the two toes in front and tAvo behind (birds of the genus Picoides have hallux or first 
toe absent) Avill suffice to enable you to recognize a woodpecker. Tail-feathers 12 in 
number, the outer pair very small and hidden by the larger. 


Genus DRYOBATES Boie. 

Dryobates villosus ('Linn.). 

Hairy Woodpecker; Sapsucker. 

Description ( Plate 76). 

Length about 9| inches ; extent about 15 ; male has hind head red ; female has no 
red. Top of head, sides of same, and back black, the latter Avith a long whitish 
stripe ; quills and wing-coverts Avith numerous Avhite spots ; four middle tail feath¬ 
ers black, next partly black, and four outer feathers white; beloAv white; young 
duller and top of head, especially in front, reddish or bronzy. 

Habitat. —Middle portion of the eastern United States, from the Atlantic coast to 
the great plains. 

The Hairy Woodpecker is found in Pennsylvania at all seasons of the 
year. It is quite plentiful, but in many sections, and probably through¬ 
out the state, is less abundant than the Downy Woodpecker. The 
Hairy Woodpeckers, generally shy and somewhat difficult to approach, 
are found mostly in the woods, and although they sometimes when in 







166 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


quest of food visit the trees in orchards and yards, their visits to these 
places are much less frequent than those of the little Downy. 

Both the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are called “ Sap suckers” 
by those who are unacquainted with birds, from the common belief that 
both subsist largely on the sap of apple and other fruit trees. This 
popular, yet mistaken idea, has induced many farmers and fruit-growers 
to destroy these two species, as well as other woodpeckers, when found 
about their orchards. 

Wilson refers to this bird as “ a haunter of orchards and lover of apple 
trees, an eager hunter of insects, their eggs and larvae in old stumps 
and old rails, in rotten branches and crevices of the bark." “The food 
of this species consists principally of the eggs and larvae of injurious 
insects that are burrowing in the wood of our fruit and forest trees; 
these he is enabled to obtain by chiseling out a small hole with his 
powerful bill, and drawing them from their lurking places with his long 
barbed tongue. He also eats some small fruits and berries, but never, 
so far as I am aware, the buds or blossoms of trees, as some persons 
assert.”— E. A. Samuels. 

The food materials of nine of these woodpeckers examined by me are 
mentioned below: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

Nov. —, 18T9. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Seeds of berries. 

2 

April 11. 1880. 

Newark, Delaware. 

Larvae and beetles. 

3 

.Tune 13. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Spiders and dipterous insects. 

4 

Dec. 20, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Small seeds and particles of Indian corn. 

5 

Jan. 28, 1881. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

6 

Mar. 10. 1881. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Numerous insects. 

7 

Sept. 13. 1881. 

Chester county Pa. 

Black ants and larvse. 

8 

May 18, 1883. 

Chester county, Pa... 

Black ants, diptera and beetles 

9 

Mar. 26. 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and larvse. 


Dryobates pubescens (Linn ). 

Downy Woodpecker; Sapsucker. 

Description (Plate 76 ). 

Length about 6J, inches ; extent about 14 ; outer tail feathers barred with black 
and white, otherwise same in color as D. villosus. 

Habitat .—Northern and eastern North America, from British Columbia and the 
eastern edge of the plains northward and eastward. 

This indefatigable little insect hunter, the smallest of all our wood¬ 
peckers, is a common resident in Pennsylvania. The timid disposition 
so frequently noticed in the preceding species is rarely, if ever, shown 
by the Downy AVoodpeckers, which, at all seasons, are found frequent¬ 
ing our shade and fruit trees, and not unfrequently these little feathered 
carpenters may be observed excavating nesting places in trees close to 
the habitations of man. Downy AToodpeckers subsist chiefly on various 
forms of insects, and when this food becomes scarce they feed often¬ 
times on the seeds of grasses and some few other plants; also, small 

































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


167 


fruits, such as wild grapes, cedar berries, etc. In the winter months I 
have seen these woodpeckers, also Tufted Titmice and White-bellied 
Nuthatches, feed with apparent relish on pieces of fat beef and pork, 
which had been suspended in trees or nailed to grape-arbors for their 
benefit. The kernels of walnuts, shell-barks and other nuts that I have 
placed in trees were likewise eaten by both the woodpecker and nut¬ 
hatch. 

The stomach contents of ten Downy Woodpeckers taken in Pennsylva¬ 
nia, and examined by the author and Mr. Benjamin M. Everhart, of 
West Chester, are given in the following table: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

Feb. 20. 1880, .... 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Larvae. 

2 

Feb. 20. 1880. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Beetles and other insects. 

s 

Mar. 6. 1880. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Larvae, beetles and seeds of Itosa lucida. 

4 

May 1. 1880. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Larvae. 

6 

Sept. 25, 1880, .... 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Berries and ‘ * grub worms. ’’ 

“ Wood grubs.” 

6 

Sept. 24. 1880. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

7 

Nov. 20, 1884. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Small seeds and fragments of beetles. 

8 

Nov. 20. 1884. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Larvae and fragments of beetles. 

9 

Dec. 20. 1884. 

Westchester, Pa. 

Insects, chiefly beetles. 

10 

May 23, 1885. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Larvae. 


Dryobates borealis (Vieill.). 

Red-coekaded Woodpecker. 

Description. ' 

Length 7 k to 8^ inches; extent about 14; male has narrow red streak, mostly con¬ 
cealed by black feathers above, on each side of occiput and above the silky-white 
spaces that extend from under and back of eyes ; feathers on sides of lower mandi¬ 
ble, those about nostrils, chin, throat, middle of breast and central part of abdomen, 
also feathers about eye, (except in front) sides of head and neck, white, purest about 
head. A black streak, connecting witli black lores, runs backward under the showy 
white cheek patch; top of head, neck behind and two central tail leathers, black ; 
other feathers in middle part of tail, black, with white bars, and the outer tail 
feathers are white, barred especially on inner webs with black ; back barred with 
black and white; wings brownish, barred with white; iris brown; bill and legs 
(dried skin) blackish. The female has no red stripes on head. 

Habitat. —Southeastern United States, from New Jersey (at least formerly), Ten¬ 
nessee, and Indian Territory south to eastern Texas and the Gulf coast 

The Bed-cockacled Woodpecker, abundant in the open pine woods of 
Florida, where it is called “ Sapsucker ” by some, and by others “ Pine- 
bark Woodpecker,” I have never observed in this state. Reports— 
seventy odd in number—which have been sent to me by naturalists and 
collectors of all parts of the state, fail to show that it occurs anywhere 
in our commonwealth. Dr. Ezra Michener, in his catalogue of Chester 
County Birds, published in 1863, writes; “Red-coekaded Woodpecker 
accidental; very rare.” Thos. G. Gentry (Life Histories of Birds), re¬ 
ferring to this species says: “That it is a rare visitant in eastern Penn¬ 
sylvania cannot be doubted, as an individual was taken a few years 
since, and is now deposited with the writer. This specimen was shot 
in Delaware county, just beyond the southern border of Philadelphia.” 


































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


168 


Gen«s SPHYRAPICUS Baird. 

Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.). 

Yellow-bellied Sapsiicker; Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. 

Description ( Plate 77). 

Length about 8g inches ; extent about 15; male, crown, chin and throat bright red ; 
female has chin and throat white, and crown mostly red, but sometimes black ; 
breast, both sexes black, and belly yellow ; this latter color brightest in young birds. 
Upper parts varied with black, yellowish and white ; broad white stripe on edge of 
wing-coverts. Tail feathers mostly black, except inner webs of middle pair, which 
are mainly white. 

Habitat. —North America, north and east of the great plains, south to the West 
Indies, Mexico and Guatemala. 

The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker breeds from the northern United 
States northward, and although found breeding in this state (in mount¬ 
ainous and elevated regions) it is classed with our rare breeders. Occa¬ 
sionally a few of these birds are found here in winter. Generally speak¬ 
ing, however, the Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers are to be observed as 
somewhat common Spring and fall migrants, which arrive in this region 
early in April, and soon disappear to return again, but not earlier than 
the last week in September. During their visits in the spring these 
birds are much less abundant than in the autumn, and are seen prin- 
cipally in the woods, although I have, in many instances, observed them 
in apple orchards. While they sojourn with us in the fall, they evince 
a strong disposition to frequent apple trees; often as many as six or 
eight of these birds can be secured in a small orchard. All woodpeck¬ 
ers have a common habit of hiding behind limbs, or sometimes in holes, 
etc., as you approach a tree on which they are feeding, and usually they 
continually shift their positions to escape notice. When hunting in 
apple orchards, particularly in the fall, I have repeatedly seen the Yel¬ 
low-bellied Woodpecker slip behind a limb, and remain perfectly mo¬ 
tionless, as if he understood that the color of his back, not unlike the 
general appearance of the bark or lichens, against which he rested, 
might aid him in eluding observation. Oftentimes I have made two or 
three circuits about trees where these birds were thus hiding, and gen¬ 
erally noticed that they would not move until convinced by my actions 
that they had been discovered. Of all our woodpeckers, the subject of 
this present sketch, is probably the most expert in capturing insects on 
the wing; this bird, oftentimes, like the Common Pewee or other fly¬ 
catchers, may be seen to start from a limb and seize its passing prey. 
This bird, like the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, is frequently seen 
clinging to the small twigs of various trees and bushes collecting in¬ 
sects or picking at berries. The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker is the only 
representative of the genus Sphyrapicus found east of the Mississippi 
river; two species and one sub-species of this genus occur in the Kocky 
mountain and Pacific coast regions of the United States. 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


169 


List of counties, with names of observers, in which S. varius has been 
found breeding or during migrations. 



Remarks. 


Bradford. 

Do. 

Bucks. . . 
Berks. . . 
Cumberland, 
Chester. . . 
Crawford, 
Clinton. 
Clearfield. 
Cameron, . 
Columbia. . 
Delaware, 

Erie. . . . 
Lackawanna 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Lehigh. . . 
Lancaster, 

Do. 

Lycoming, 
McKean. 
Northampton. 
Northumberland 
Philadelphia, 
Do. 

Do. 

Somerset. 
Sullivan, 

Union. . 
Venango, 
Warren, 

Wayne, . 
Westmoreland 
Washington. 

Do. 

Do. 

York, . . . 

Do. ... 

Do. . . . 


J. L. Camp, 

A. J. Lilley 

B. H. Warren, . . . 

D. F. Keller. 

T. L. Neff. 

B. II. Warren, . . . 
H. C. Kirkpatrick, . 
Dr. W. Y r an Fleet. 

Dr. Van Fleet. 

M. M. Larrabee. . . . 
Dr. MacCrea, . . . . 
B. H. Warren, . . . 
Geo. B. Sennett.' . . 
Geo. P. Friant, . . . 
James F. Green, . . 
H. W. Williams, . . 

M. J. Webster. . . . 

J. F. Kocher. 

Dr. A. C. Treichler, 

W. H. Buller. 

August Kock. 

J. A. Teulon, . '. . . 
Dr. J. W. Detwiller, 
Dr. W. Van Fleet. 
Rev. Jos. Johnson. . 
Jos. Price Ball, . . . 

U. Jamison. 

H. D. Moore, M. D., 

Otto Behr. 

Dr. W. Van Fleet, 

J. H. Robertson, . . 
H. L, Greenlund, . . 

N. F. Underwood. 
Chas. H. Townsend. 

M. Compton. 

W. T. Warrick. . . . 

Jas. S. Nease. 

Geo. Miller. 

Casper Loucks, . . , 
Gerard C. Brown, . . 


Common migrant; probably breeds. 

Rare breeder; common migrant. 

Migrant; common in fall. 

Migrant. 

Breeds. 

Migrant; very abundant In fall; occasional winter resident. 
Breeds. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant; most abundant in fall. 

Migrant. 

Migrant; abundant in fall and occasionally seen in winter. 
Common migrant; think it breeds occasionally. 

Migrant.* 

Migrant; probably breeds. 

Migrant; sometimes seen in summer. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant.! 

Formerly common breeder: now quite rare as native. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant; common in fall. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Breeds. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Breeds sparingly and irregularly 
Migrant. 

Apparently not common. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 

Migrant. 


Gentry says: “ The food of these birds is less of an insect character 
than that of any other of the Picarian family. Although a great de¬ 
stroyer of insects in their most destructive stages, yet the untold mis¬ 
chief which they achieve in the perforation of the inner bark of many 
trees to such an extent as to kill them, fairly outbalances the immense 
good which they accomplish. In some parts of Wisconsin, this destruc¬ 
tion is perpetrated on a grand scale. In 1868, Dr. Brewer, in company 
with Dr. Hoy, visited Bacine, and witnessed the results of this perfora¬ 
tory process. The punctures were made into the inner bark of trees, 
and were so close together that the bark eventually became stripped off, 
causing a complete and fatal destruction of them. In one garden, all 
the mountain-ash and white pine trees were entirely killed.” 

In referring to these sap-sucking woodpeckers, Dr. Coues says: 
“Birds of this remarkable genus feed much upon fruits, as well as in¬ 
sects, and also upon soft inner bark (cambium); they injure fruit trees 
by stripping off the bark, sometimes in large areas, instead of simply 
boring holes. Of the several species commonly called ‘ Sapsuckers,’ 

* Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have been very common the last two seasons ('88, ’89) in the spring. The 
city (Scranton) was full of them; some killed themselves by flying against windows.—Geo. P. Friant 
t S. varius arrives early in spring, is then quite plenty; disappears soon, however. Know of one in¬ 
stance where it bred. This bird rarely visits our orchards, therefore cannot do much damage to any¬ 
thing.— Anovst Kock. 



























































170 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


they alone deserve the name. In declaring war against woodpeckers, 
the agriculturist will do well to discriminate between this somewhat 
injurious and the highly beneficial species.” My field observations, also 
the post mortem examinations of some twenty odd Yellow-bellied Wood¬ 
peckers (taken chiefly during the fall migrations), lead me to think that, 
in this region, these birds subsist mainly on insects, such as beetles, 
large flies, ants, spiders and larvae. In the viscera of specimens taken 
in the late autumn and winter, I have found sometimes small seeds and 
berries. In the stomachs of two birds which were shot in apple trees, I 
detected a small amount of a vegetable substance, which may have been 
inner bark. On one occasion I opened the stomach of an adult male, 
taken in the spring, and noticed that it contained a considerable quan¬ 
tity of fluid, of a yellowish color; a drop of this fluid touched to my 
tongue was found to be exceedingly sweet. 

Genus CEOPHLCEUS Oabanis. 

Ceophloeus pileatus (Linn.). 

Pileated Woodpecker. 

Description ( Plate 70). 

Bill blue-black, lower mandible much lighter in color than the upper ; feet and 
tarsi in dried specimens black ; iris yellowish ; general color of body, wings and tail 
dull black ; a narrow white streak from just above the eye to occiput, a wider one 
from the nostril feathers (inclusive) under the eye, and along the side of the head 
and neck; side of the breast (concealed by the wing), axillaries, and under wing- 
coverts, and concealed bases of all the quills, with chin and beneath the head, white, 
tinged with sulphur-yellow ; entire crown, from the base of the bill to a well-devel¬ 
oped occipital crest, as also a patch on the ramus of the lower jaw, scarlet-red ; a few 
white crescents on the sides of the body and on the abdomen. Female similar to 
male, but without red on the cheek and only the back part of crest red. 

Length about 18 inches ; extent about 27 ; wing inches. 

Habitat.— Formerly whole wooded region of North America ; now rare or extir¬ 
pated in the more thickly settled parts of the Eastern States. 

This bird, the largest of all our woodpeckers, is found in Pennsylva¬ 
nia at all seasons, but occurs only in the wooded districts, and even in 
most of these secluded localities it is not common. In April, 1885 , I 
found a nest of the Pileated Moodpecker in Orange countv, Florida, 
where this species is exceedingly numerous. It was made in a wild 
cherry tree growing near the edge of an orange grove. The excavation, 
about two feet, or a little less, in depth, was made in a dead limb. The 
entrance to the nest was not over twelve or fifteen feet from the ground. 
The glossy white eggs, quite small for the size of the bird, were re¬ 
moved when three had been deposited on a few chips at the bottom of 
the opening. As the mouth of the cavity had been somewhat broken 
when they were taken out, I supposed the birds would desert the place, 
but, about one week later I visited the tree and saw a Pileated Wood¬ 
pecker, which I judge was the same bird that had been robbed by me, 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


171 


at work in this cavity. Having- heard the bird working, I approached the 
tree cautiously, and stood back of a neighboring tree, whose thick branches, 
with their abundant covering of “long moss” (Tillandsia usneoides), en¬ 
tirely concealed person from this woodchopper’s keen eye. I watched, 
and soon saw its large bill clasping a chip appear at the opening of the 
cavity, in another instant the head and neck were protruded, and after 
taking a quick survey of all surroundings, as if to assure herself that no 
enemy was a witness to her industry and vigilance, the chip was dropped 
down and the bird resumed her digging. After she had thus reap¬ 
peared several times with pieces of wood, and always manifested the same 
caution before dropping the chips, I, when she again came in view, made 
a slight noise, but did not show myself, when immediate^ she dropped 
back into the cavity and did not again continue her labors or show her¬ 
self, although I remained quiet for several minutes. As the dinner horn 
had sounded some time before, I deemed it more important to attend to 
the wants of the inner man than to continue to wait for the bird to re¬ 
new her work, and picking up a piece of shell rock I threw it against the 
limb, when she flew out uttering a shrill cry. 

These birds feed largely on beetles and their larvae, which are so 
abundant in dead trees. Wild grapes, berries and acorns are also some¬ 
times eaten. 

The following list shows most of the counties in this state where the 
Pileated Woodpecker is frequently met with: 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

Allegheny. 

Dr. T. Z. Hazzard. 

Rare; formerly quite plentiful. 

Beaver. 

Dr. G. A. Scroggs. 

Breeds; resident. 

Bedford. 

,T. L. McGregor. 

Is found in some sections; resident. 

Berks. 

D. F. Keller. 

Very rare 

Crawford. 

H. C. Kirkpatrick. 

Seen in winter; probably breeds. 

Clinton. 

Dr. Van Fleet. 

Resident. 

Clearfield. 

Dr. Van Fleet. 

Resident. 

Cameron. 

M. M. Larrabee. 

Resident; tolerably common. 

Chester. 

B. H. Warren,*. 

Straggler; one taken about twelve years ago. 

I Clarion. 

W. Shanafelt,. 

Resident; not common. 

| Columbia. 

Dr A. B. MacCrea. 

Resident. 

1 Dauphin. 

W. W. Stoey. 

Resident. 

Prip, . 

Geo. B. Sennett. 

Resident: few are found about Lake Pleasant 

Fayette. 

B. H. Warren. 

Saw one in December. 1889. 

Fulton. 

Hon. W. S. Alexander. 

Resident. 

i Luzerne. 

D. J. Linskill. 

Resident. 

Lycoming. 

August Kock. 

Resident. 

Lackawanna. 

G. P. Friant. 

Resident; quite common; increasing. 

McKean. 

J. A. Teulon. 

Resident. 

Mercer,. 

S S. Overmoyer. 

Breeds. 

Mifflin. 

B. H. Warren,. 

Resident. 

Northumberland, . . 

Dr. Van Fleet. 

Resident. 

Perry. 

H. J. Roddy. 

Resident. 

Susquehanna, . . . 

S. S. Thomas. 

Rare. 

Sullivan. 

Otto Behr. 

Resident. 

Somerset. 

Dr. II. I). Moore. 

Resident. 

' Schuylkill, . 

M. M. MacMillan. 

Resident. 

Union. 

Dr. Van Fleet,. 

Resident. 

Venango,. 

J. R. Robertson, . . .. 

Rare. 

Warren. 

H. L. Greenlund. 

Rare. 

Wayne . 

N. F. Underwood. 

Breeds. 

Washington. 

James S. Nease. .. 

Resident. 

Do ~ .... 

M. Compton. 

Rare; probably breeds. 


W. T. Warrick. 

Rare; probably breeds. 

Westmoreland. . . . 

Chas. H. Townsend. 

Occasionally seen in heavy timbered localities. 


* Pileated Woodpeckers have also been seen or heard by the writer, during the past two years, in the 
counties of Armstrong. Blair, Cambria, Centre, Elk, Jefferson, Forestand Potter: in some parts of Cen¬ 
tre. Elk. Forest and Potter this bird is often seen. 















































































172 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Genus MELANERPES Swainson. 

Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.). 

Red-headed Woodpecker. 

Description {Plate 21). 

Head and neck all around crimson red, margined by a narrow crescent of black 
on the upper part of the breast; back, primary quills, and tail bluish-black ; under 
parts generally, a broad band across the middle of the wing, and the rump white : 
belly usually tinged with reddish. Bill and feet blue-black; iris brown. Female 
is not different. 

Young. —Head, neck and back dull gray, varied with blackish ; secondary feath¬ 
ers, usually crossed with dark bands. The head in nearly all specimens taken in 
fall and winter, with more or less red feathers. 

Length 9| inches ; extent about 18 ; wing 5| inches. 

Habitat .—United States, west to the Rocky mountains, straggling westward to 
Salt Lake valley; rare or local east of the Hudson river. 

The Iied-lieaded Woodpecker, readily recognized by its red, white and 
blue plumage, is found in Pennsylvania at all seasons, but during the 
summer is much more abundant than at other periods. I have repeat¬ 
edly observed these birds during the autumn and winter months, in 
small parties numbering from eight to a dozen or sometimes twenty in¬ 
dividuals, but never found them in large flocks. 

In many localities in eastern Pennsylvania during the past few years 
these beautiful birds have become quite scarce. As farmers and fruit¬ 
growers very generally seem to fully appreciate the beneficent services 
these birds render, and seldom subject them to persecution, I attribute 
this scarcity largely to the fact that the adult Red-heads find a ready 
market for millinery purposes. When pursued by gunners, these wood¬ 
peckers first endeavor to escape by flying to the topmost branches of 
the tallest trees; then, if further molested, they will conceal themselves 
in holes, where I have known them to remain for over one hour before 
venturing out. 

In this locality these birds subsist chiefly on an insect bill of fare; 
cherries, berries, occasionally ripe apples, green corn and pears are fed 
upon. In several examinations that I have made of birds shot in the 
winter season were discovered particles of acorns, gravel and different 
forms of insects. In the winter, like the common Crow Blackbirds, the 
Red-heads will sometimes visit corn-cribs and feed on corn which they 
pick from the ears. Although I have never seen this species store up 
acorns, etc., there is no doubt that they occasionally thus provide for 
themselves. 

Li the viscera of eleven Red-heads examined by the writer the follow¬ 
ing food materials were discovered: 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


173 


0. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 6, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and sand. 

2 

May 17, 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Larvae and seeds. 

3 

June 12, 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Cherries. 

4 

June 12, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Cherries and ants. 

5 

Sept. 11. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa., 

Corn (maize). 

6 

Sept. 11, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa., 

Black ants. 

7 

Sept. 11, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Larva? and beetles. 

8 

May 8, 1883. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Chiefly beetles and few dipterous insects 

9 

July 5, 1883. 

Chester county, Pa., 

Piece of an apple. 

10 

Mar. 15, 1880. 

Allerton Farm, Pa. 

Beetles. 

11 

Mar. 13. 1885. 

Volusia, Florida. 

Palmetto berries. 


Melanerpes carolinus (Linn.). 

Red-bellied Woodpecker. 

Description ( Plate 76). 

Top of head and nape crimson red ; forehead whitish, strongly tinged with light 
red, a shade of which is also seen on the cheek ; still stronger on the middle of the 
belly. Under parts brownish white, with a faint wash of yellowish on the belly ; 
back, rump and wing-coverts banded black and white; upper tail-coverts white, 
with occasional blotches; tail feathers black ; first transversely banded with white; 
second less so; all the rest with whitish tips; inner feathers banded with white on 
the inner web ; the outer web with a stripe of white along the middle ; iris red. 

Female with the crown ashy ; forehead pale red ; nape bright red. 

Length inches; extent about 17 ; wing about 5 inches. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States to the Rocky mountains ; rare or accidental east 
of the Hudson river. 

Audubon found nests of Red-bellied Woodpeckers in orchards in Penn¬ 
sylvania. Tlie Messrs. Baird, writing in 1844, mention this species as 
occurring in the vicinity of Carlisle, Cumberland county, in reference to 
it they say: “Abundant; most so in winter; resident.” 

Dr. Ezra Micliener, in his Chester county list of 1863, records this bird 
as a “resident, frequent; rare in summer.” Dr. Turnbull, in his Birds 
of Eastern Pennsylvania and Neiv Jersey , 1869, says, “common, but 
more frequent in summer; found mostly on the larger trees of the 
forest.” Mr. Gentry, writing in 1877 {Life Histories of Birds), observes 
that he has found a few of these birds in eastern Pennsylvania from No¬ 
vember until the latter part of April. According to my observation, 
the Red-bellied Woodpecker occurs in southeastern Pennsylvania only 
as a rare winter visitant. The few birds observed by myself in this 
locality were exceedingly shy, and when found were seen in tall trees in 
the forests. Mr. T’. L. Neff, of Carlisle, has never observed it in Cum¬ 
berland county, at least his report of the species found there contains 
no mention of it. The only locality in Pennsylvania where the Red- 
bellied Woodpecker has been found breeding during recent years is, so 
far as I can learn, in the county of Washington, along our western bor¬ 
der. I am indebted to Mr. W. T. Warrick, of Washington, Pa., for the 
following interesting facts concerning the species in his localitv : “ This 
bird is not rare here, although not very abundant, and it is resident and 



































174 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


breeds. It is not often seen away from heavy timber, and is generally 
to be found in the very tops of the tallest forest trees. I have never 
secured any of their eggs, but my note book says that I found a pair 
nesting March 25, 1883, near the top of a large white-oak in edge of 
wood two miles from Washington. The birds were quite noisy, and 
while I watched them with my field glass I saw them running in and 
out of a nice new clean-cut hole in the live wood of the oak. The eggs 
were probably not laid at that date, but about the nesting there could 
be no doubt. I intended trying to secure the eggs, but bad weather 
and other circumstances prevented till the matter was overlooked. I 
also remember several years ago visiting a farmer friend whom I found 
engaged in shooting woodpeckers off a mulberry tree that stood in his 
yard and was full of ripe fruit. He had a dozen or more of the birds 
lying in a pile under the tree, and at least four or five of them were Red- 
bellies and the balance Red-heads. I saw and heard three of this species 
the last day I was in the woods (June 2). I can recognize their ‘chuck’ 
as far as I can hear it. 5 ’ 

The following list made up from reports—seventy odd in number— 
received from observers throughout the state, shows that M. carolinus 
has been observed as a breeder only in Washington county; and as a 
migTant it has been reported by but few persons: 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

Bradford. 


Migrant: rare. 

Clinton. 

Dr. W. Van Fleet. 

Migrant; rare. 

Chester. 

B. H. Warren, . 

Have taken three in ten years ; all in winter. 

Delaware. 

B. H. Warren. 

Two killed in winter. 

Erie. 

Geo. B. Sennett. 

Winter. 

*Lancaster. 

Dr. A. C. Treickler, 

Winter. 

Lackawanna,. 

Geo. P. Friant. 

Winter; very rare. 

Luzerne. 

Dr. W. L. Hartman. 

Rare visitor ; probably breeds. 

Montgomery. 

Thos. 8. Gillin. 

Migrant. 

Northampton,. 

Dr. John W. Detwiller. 

Migrant. 

Perry. 

H. J. Roddy,. 

Migrant. 

Washington, . 

M. Compton. 

Resident; breeds. 

Do. . 

W. T. Warrick. 

Resident ; breeds. 

Do. . 

Jas. S. Nease. 

Resident; breeds. 

Westmoreland. 

Chas. H. Townsend. 

Rather common. 

York. 

Gerard C. Brown. 

Migrant; probably breeds occasionally. 


The stomach contents of three of these birds, captured during the 
winter months in Chester and Delaware counties, Pa., consisted of black 
beetles, larva?, fragments of acorns, and a few seeds of wild grapes. 

In various sections of Florida where the Red-bellied Woodpeckers are 
exceedingly numerous; in fact, by odds, the most abundant of all the 
woodpeckers, the common names of “ Orange Sapsucker ” and “Orange- 
borer ” are universally applied to them. On making inquiry of farmers 
and others, I learned that the names were given because these wood¬ 
peckers “ sucked the sap ” of orange trees and fed on oranges. Sup¬ 
posing these statements were wrongfully made, I, at first, gave but little 
attention to them. When, however, I visited Welaka, Palatka, Volusia, 

* Some fifteen or twenty years ago. according to the late Judge Libhart. this species bred in Lancaster 
county.— B. H. Warren. 

















































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


175 


Deland and other places where numerous orange trees were thriving, I 
was informed by the orange-growers that the Red-bellied Woodpeckers 
oftentimes destroyed large numbers of oranges when they had matured 
and were ready for picking; also, that “they damaged the orange trees 
by boring holes in them and sucking the sap.” I had but little oppor¬ 
tunity of making a careful study of this orange-eating habit, so greatly 
talked about, owing to the fact that when I first visited these localities 
it was late in February, or after the oranges had been picked and shipped 
north. In the month of March, 1885,1 camped a few days at “Bluffton,” 
near Yolusia, in an orange grove, owned by Mr. Bird, of New York city 
This grove contained about thirty acres of trees, which were loaded with 
fruit, then being picked for market. Through the kindness of Mr. 
Bird and his overseer, Mr. Curtis, I collected twenty-six Red-bellied 
Woodpeckers in this orange grove, eleven of these birds had fed to a 
more or less extent on oranges. 

Three of the eleven stomachs taken from specimens killed in the fore¬ 
noon, soon after daylight, contained only orange pulp. Eight stomachs 
showed, in addition to orange pulp, insects and berries. The stomachs 
of the remaining fifteen birds contained no traces of oranges, but re¬ 
vealed chiefly insects, a few berries and seeds. I examined two dozen 
or more oranges which had been attacked by the Woodpeckers, and 
found that all had been bored about midway between the stem and blos¬ 
som end. These holes, always round, varied greatly in size. The birds 
usually, I think, pick off the skin from a space about the size of an ordi¬ 
nary five-cent piece, and then eat out the pulp. In an orchard at Hawk- 
insville, near Deland Landing, on the St. John’s river, I oftentimes, in 
the month of April, 1885, found oranges which had been evidently over¬ 
looked when the crop was gathered, and in most instances observed that 
they were bored. In this orchard, on one occasion, I saw a Red-bellied 
Woodpecker eating an orange. He evidently recognized the fact that 
it was about the last of the season, as he had enlarged the opening suf¬ 
ficiently that his head was almost entirely hidden in the yellow skin, 
from the sides of which he picked the few remaining particles of pulp. 
I was shown orange trees that these “ Sapsuckers” were said to have 
bored, these borings, however, did not appear to injure the trees, as they 
seemed to me to be equally as flourishing as other trees whose trunks 
showed no marks of a woodpecker’s bill. 



176 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Genus COLAPTES Swainson. 


Colaptes auratus (Linn.). 


Flicker. 


Description ( Plate 22). 

Bill differs from other of our woodpeckers. It is long, slender, slightly curved, 
without lateral ridges ; nostrils exposed. Shafts and under surface of wing and 
tail feathers gamboge-yellow ; a black patch on each side of the cheek ; a red cres¬ 
cent on the upper part of hind-neck, throat and stripe beneath the eye pale lilac- 
brown. A crescentic patch on the breast and rounded spots on the belly, black ; 
back and wing-coverts with interrupted transverse bands of black ; neck above and 
on sides ashy. In the female the black cheek patch is usually absent; eyes brown. 
Length about 12| inches ; extent about 20 ; wing about 6 inches. 

Habitat .—Northern and eastern North America, west to the eastern slope of the 
Rocky mountains and Alaska. Occasional on the Pacific slope from California 
northward. Accidental in Europe. 

This species, one of the most common of all our woodpeckers, is found 
in some sections of Pennsylvania during all months of the year ; but it 
is far more numerous in the summer season than at other times. The 
Flicker, like all of the woodpeckers, flies in an undulatory manner. 
When flying it is easily recognized from other species by the conspicu¬ 
ous golden-yellow under parts of the tail and wings, and the white rump. 
As previously remarked, woodpeckers are not commonly seen on the 
ground; in this particular, however, the subject of this present sketch 
differs from other of his kin, as he is frequently to be observed hopping 
about in grass fields, meadows or along the roadside searching for food. 
Although the Flicker commonly lays about six eggs, I have known as 
many as seventeen eggs to have been taken from the nest of one bird. 
Flickers are great destroyers of ants; they also subsist on various forms 
of noxious insects, and in the fall and winter season eat, in addition to 
insect food, berries, wild cherries, small seeds of grasses, etc. 


Insects that Woodpeckers Eat. 

In February, March and April, 1885, I collected a large number of woodpeckers 
at different points in Florida, in the region about the St. John’s river, from Welaka 
to Sanford. The stomach contents of thirty-three of these birds were kindly deter¬ 
mined for me by Prof. C. V. Riley, the eminent entomologist of the U. S. Depart¬ 
ment of Agriculture, and are given below, with a letter that came with the list: 


U. S. Department of Agriculture, 
Division of Entomology, 
Washington, D. C., January 28, 1886. 

B. H. Warren, M. D., West Chester , Pa.: 

Dear Sir : I hand you herewith a full list of the insect material contained in the 
vials of birds’ stomachs which you have submitted for examination. The determi¬ 
nations are as specific as the condition of the material would permit, and in almost 
every instance the generic reference is given, which is sufficient to indicate the habit 
of the insect. 

Yours very truly, 

- C. Y. Riley. 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


177 


Red-cockaded Woodpecker ( Dryobates borealis). 

Contents from eleven adults of both sexes. —Six egg-cases of a small cockroach 
( Ichnoptera ). The egg-cases of these small tree-inhabiting roaches are usually de¬ 
posited behind the loose bark of trees. Three skins of coleopterous larvae; judging 
from their last joints they belong to the genus Tenebrio, the larvae of which are 
found under dead bark. One leg of Pachylobious picivorus; this snout-beetle is 
common throughout the south, and is found upon the different species of pines. 
Eight elytra of a beetle (Cymatodera undulata or brunnea). These beetles are also 
found under bark of living and dead trees; their larvae live upon other insects. 
One small pupa of a Cerambycid insect; it is probably the pupa of a Liopus or 
Sternidius : both species breed in decaying twigs. One small larva of a Cerambycid 
insect, not recognizable. One egg of a large hemipterous insect, probably that of 
Brachyrhynchus granulatus , Say. Numorous legs of spiders and bugs. Two skins 
of spiders, partly digested and squeezed out. Skin of a dipterous larva. Several 
specimens of a dipterous pupa ( Musca ). Middle and hind leg of a Cerambycid be¬ 
longing to the Acanthocerinai. Large numbers of ants ; the species found seem to 
be Colobopsis impressa, Or emastogaster lineolata, Camponotus fallax, Formica 
fusca and Leptothorax curbispinosus. Numerous legs and mouth parts, etc., refer¬ 
able to one or the other of the species before mentioned make up the bulk ; but ants 
were evidently the principal food. No vegetable food was found; some vegetable 
fibre, and probably obtained from the palmetto, was found, however. 

Red-cockaded Woodpecker ( Dryobates borealis ), Adult Male. 

Contents. —Fragments of the abdomen only of Brochymena species ; also one leg of 
I the same. Undigested eggs of perhaps the same insect. Fragments of the abdomen 
of Cr emastog aster lineolatus. Fragments of a myriapod (Julus). 

Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis), Adult Male. 

Contents. —One leg of Brochymena species. One larva of Pyralid. One ant, head 
and abdominal plates, belonging to two different species. Numerous joints of a 
Myriapod (Julus). Parts of legs belonging to ants, hemiptera and coleoptera. The 
stomach was nearly empty and it was evidently a longtime since the bird had made 
a meal. 

Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis ), Adult Male. 

Contents. —Numerous fragments of a Cr emastog aster, apparently lineolata. One 
coleopterous larval skin, without head or tail ; perhaps of Tenebrio. 

Pileated Woodpecker (Ceophloeus pileatus), Adult Male. 

Contents. —Two larvae of Orthosoma brunnea. Five ants ( Camponotus esuriens). 
Remains of other ants. The larva of Orthosoma brunnea is very destructive to pine. 

Pileated Woodpecker (Ceophloeus pileatus), Adult Female. 

Contents. _Two larvae of Orthosoma brunnea. Numerous Cremastogaster line¬ 

olata. Numerous Camponotus esuriens and their cocoons. One larva ot Xylo- 
trechus spec. 

Pileated Woodpecker (Ceophloeus pileatus), Adult Male. 

Contents. —One larva of Orthosoma brunnea. Five ants ( Camponotus esuriens), 

\ and fragments of the same. 

Pileated Woodpecker ( Ceophloeus pileatus), Adult Male. 

Contents. _Numerous fragments of Camponotus esuriens. Fragments of a Ceram¬ 

bycid larva ( Xylotrechus ?). 

12 Birds. 






178 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Pileated Woodpecker (Ceophloeus pileatus), Adults, Two Males and 

Female. 

Contents. —Filled, with the fragments of the Palmetto-ants ( Camponotus esurient). 
One pupa of White ant ( Ter met). 

Red-bellied Woodpecker ( Melanerpes carolinus.) 

Contents from eight adults of both sexes. Red seeds (undigested) of two species 
of the Palmetto. No animal matter could be distinguished. 

Red-bellied Woodpecker ( Melanerpes carolinus ), Adult Male. 

Contents. —Numerous joints of a small diplopodous myriopod, probably ,Zulus. 
One Palmetto ant ( Camponotus esuriens). Fragments of a tree-cricket ( Orocharis 
saltator.) 

Red-bellied Woodpecker ( Melanerpes carolinus ), Adult Male. 

Contents. —Berries and seeds of the Palmetto. Fragments, consisting ot three legs 
and part of a cricket ( Nemobius). 

Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus audubonii ), Adult Male. 

Contents. —Palmetto fibers, and mixed with them traces of a Cerambycid larva. 
Digested fragments of a neuropterous insect, probably a small Libellulid. 

Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus audubonii ), Adult Male. 

Contents .—Fragments of an elytron of Trogosita , a beetle common under bark. 
Fragments of ants. Fragments of Julus. 


ORDER MACROCHIRES. GOATSUCKERS AND SWIFTS. 
Suborder CAPRIMULGI. Goatsuckers. 

Family CAPRIMULGID.®. Goatsuckers. 

THE WHIP-POOR-WILL AND NIGHTHAWK. 

The name of “Goatsucker” given to members of this family originated from a 
silly notion that the European species sucked the teats of goats. It is misleading 
and should be abolished. Two species of this family are found in Pennsylvania as 
common summer residents. Head large, broad and flattened ; eyes large; neck 
short; plumage, especially in Whip-poor-will, soft and owl-like; flight noiseless; 
bill very small; gape of great extent, reaching below eyes, and furnished with 
bristles. Toes four, anterior ones connected by a moveable skin ; inner edge of mid¬ 
dle claw pectinated (comb-like). Tarsi short and more orless feathered ; feet small. 
These birds do not perch as many other birds do, but sit lengthwise of limbs, fence 
rails, etc., and crouch on the ground. Tail forked or rounded. • 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


179 


Genus ANTROSTOMUS Gould. 

Antrostomus vociferus (Wils.). 

Whip-poor-will. 

Description (Plate 28). 

Length about 10 inches ; extent about 18; gape with long stiff'bristles reaching be¬ 
yond bill; no white spot on primaries. 

Habitat.— Eastern United States to the plains, south to Guatemala. 

Although the Whip-poor-will and Nighthawk are generally regarded 
by those who are not versed in ornithology, as the same bird, it can 
readily be seen, by referring to Plate 23, that they differ greatly. It 
will be observed that the Whip-poor-will has conspicuous, long and stiff 
bristles at the base of bill; the bill of the Nighthawk is not furnished 
with long, conspicuous and stiff bristles. The Whip-poor-will has no 
white spot on the primaries; the Nighthawk has a well-marked spot of 
white on five outer primaries. The white on tail of males of both species 
is also different. In the Whip-poor-will the lower half of the three outer 
tail feathers is white; Nighthawk has a broad white bar crossing the 
tail (except middle feathers) near the tip. The males, both species, 
have transverse white throat bars. The female Whip-poor-will has a 
tawny throat bar, and inconspicuous terminal spots of the same color 
on lateral tail feathers. Female Nighthawk, throat bar tawny, white 
spot on wing, but no terminal patch of white crossing tail. 

The Whip poor-will is a rather common summer resident in the wooded 
and mountainous portions of Pennsylvania. It arrives in this locality 
from April 22 to May 1, and migrates southward in September. The 
Whip-poor-will migrates singly or in pairs, and, unlike the Nighthawk, 
is never to be found in flocks. The Whip-poor-will is nocturnal in hab¬ 
its, and is seldom seen during the day unless accidentally discovered 
in a state of repose, when, if startled, “it rises and flies off, but only 
to such a distance as it considers necessary, in order to secure it from 
the farther intrusion of the disturber of its noon-day slumbers. Its 
flight is very low, light, swift, noiseless and protracted, as the bird 
moves over the places which it inhabits, in pursuit of the moths, beetles 
and other insects of which its food is composed. During the day it 
sleeps on the ground, the lowest branches of small trees, or the fallen 
trunks of trees, so abundantly dispersed through the woods. In such 
situations you may approach within a few feet of it; and, should you 
observe it whilst asleep, and not make any noise sufficient to alarm it, 
it will suffer you to pass quite near without taking flight, as it seems to 
sleep with great soundness, especially about the middle of the day. In 
rainy or very cloudy weather it sleeps less, and is more on the alert. 
Its eyes are then kept open for hours at a time, and it flies off as soon 
as it discovers an enemy approaching, which it can do, at such times, at 



180 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


a distance of twenty or thirty yards. It always appears with its body 
parallel to the direction of the branch or trunk on which it sits, and, I 
believe, never alights across a branch or fence rail. No sooner has the 
sun disappeared beneath the horizon, than this bird bestirs itself, and 
sets out in pursuit of insects. It passes low over the bushes, moves to 
the right or left, alights on the ground to secure its prey, passes re¬ 
peatedly in different directions over the same field, skims along the 
skirts of the woods and settles occasionally on the tops of the fence 
stakes or on the stumps of trees, from whence it sallies, like a Flycatcher, 
after insects, and on seizing them returns to the same spot. When 
thus situated, it frequently alights on the ground, to pick up a beetle; 
it also balances itself in the air, in front of the trunks of trees, or against 
the sides of banks, to discover ants and other small insects that may be 
lurking there. It is a remarkable fact that even the largest moths on 
which the Whip-poor-will feeds, are always swallowed tail foremost, and 
when swallowed, the wings and legs are found closely laid together, and 
as if partially glued by the saliva or gastric juice of the bird. The act 
of deglutition must be greatly aided by the long bristly feathers of the 
upper mandible, as these no doubt force the wings of the insects close 
together, before they enter the mouth.”— Audubon. In several of these 
birds, which I have examined, were found only insects, chiefly of a 
lepidopterous character; once I took from the stomach of a male the 
remains of two or three common potato beetles. The Whip-poor-will 
never builds a nest. In this section it deposits its eggs about the 20th 
of May, on the bare ground, or on dry leaves, and occasionally, though 
rarely, it is said on logs, in the gloomy retreats of thickets or woods. 
The eggs, never more than two in number, are white or yellowish-white, 
irregularly spotted or blotched with brown, and bluish-gray. They 
measure about 1.25 inches in length and .89 of an inch in width. This 
bird, like the Chuck-will’s-widow,* when flying about in quest of food, 
may be heard to utter a kind of low growling sound. This noise is the 
only sound I ever heard the Whip-poor-will make when on the wing. 

Genus CHORDEILES SwaInson. 

Chordeiles virginianus (Gmel.). 

Nighthawk. 

Description ( Plate 28 ). 

Male, above mottled with blackish, grayish and rufous; a white V-shape mark 
on the throat; behind this a collar of pale rufous blotches, and another on the breast 
of grayish mottling ; under parts banded transversely with dull-yellowish or red- 

*The Chuck-will’s-widow ( Antrostomus carolinensis, Gmel.) inhabits the south Atlantic and Gulf] 
states, “and lower Mississippi Valley, north to the Carolinas and southern Illinois.” Said to winter I 
chiefly south of United States, in Mexico. Central America, etc. April. 1885, I found this species breed- 5 
ing in Orange and Volusia counties. Florida, where these birds are abundant. In February and March I ^ 
neither saw or heard them, and residents of Florida assured me that the ‘ 1 Chick-will, ” as the bird is < 
there known, was found in that state only as a summer resident. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


181 


dish white and brown ; wing quills quite uniformly brown ; the five outer prima¬ 
ries with a white blotch midway between the tip and carpal joint, not extending on 
the outer web of the outer quill ; tail with a terminal white patch. 

Female without the caudal white patch, the white of the throat mixed with red¬ 
dish. Length about inches ; extent about 23 ; wing about 8 inches. 

Habitat .—Northern and eastern North America, east of the Great Plains, south 
through tropical America to Buenos Ayres. 

The Nighthawk occurs in Pennsylvania as a common summer resident. 
It usually arrives from its southern winter resorts, a few days after the 
Whip-poor-wills have made their appearance. The note of the Night- 
hawk is a short, sharp squeak. During the breeding season this bird 
has a curious habit, when flying, of falling through the air with a loud 
booming sound, which, as Nuttall has truly said, resembles the noise pro¬ 
duced by blowing into the bung-hole of an empty hogshead. This pe¬ 
culiar booming or whirring sound, which can be heard oftentimes to the 
distance of a quarter of a mile or over, is produced, it is stated, by the 
air rushing through the stiff wing feathers. The Nighthawk never 
breeds in woods or thickets, but deposits her two eggs on the bare 
ground or rocks in open situations; the favorite breeding places are bar¬ 
ren and rocky lands, though sometimes they have been known to de¬ 
posit their eggs on roofs of buildings in large cities and towns, over 
which these birds all day long may be seen or heard flying in pursuit 
of their favorite insect prey. 

The eggs, elliptical in shape and about the same size as those of the 
Whip-poor-will, so closely resemble the ground or pieces of rock on which 
they are deposited, that they are frequently overlooked by persons 
accustomed to search for them. The Nighthawk, like the Whip-poor- 
will, manifests great affection for her eggs and young, and will re¬ 
sort to numerous devices to induce you to follow her, when these treas¬ 
urers are approached or discovered. It is stated that birds of this fam¬ 
ily have a common habit, when their eggs or young are disturbed, of 
removing them in their capacious mouths, to different localities. I have 
known the Nighthawk to move its eggs a distance of over two hundred 
yards, in less than one hour after I had examined them. In the breed¬ 
ing season especially, these birds are frequently seen sitting lengthwise 
on fences or on the limbs of high trees, in the vicinity of their breeding 
grounds. Several pairs of Nighthawks may often be found breeding 
within a few yards of each other. The Nighthawk, although oftentimes 
observed flying about during the daytime, is particularly active in the 
afternoon and in cloudy weather. This bird when on the wing, if not 
too distant, can easily be recognized by the white spot on the primaries, 
which is commonly spoken of as a “ hole in the wing.” During the lat¬ 
ter part of August, these birds collect in large bands and leisurely pro¬ 
ceed to winter quarters in Mexico, Central America and portions of 
South America, etc. 

The somewhat prevalent idea that Nighthawks are destroyers of 





182 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


young’ poultry is simply absurd, as it requires only a careless examina¬ 
tion of a specimen to prove conclusively that it would be physically im¬ 
possible for them to capture such prey. 

The great mistake of applying improper vernacular names to birds, 
was clearly demonstrated during the enforcement of the scalp act of 
1885 , when commissioners, of whom I have knowledge, took the stand 
that they were obliged to allow bounty on the Nighthawk, because it was 
known as a “ hawk.” 

Audubon writing of this species states that the food consists entirely 
of insects, especially beetles, although they also feed on moths and cat¬ 
erpillars, and are very expert in catching crickets and grasshoppers, 
with which they sometimes gorge themselves, as they fly over the ground 
with great rapidity. “ When flying closely over the water they occa¬ 
sionally drink in the manner of swallows.” 

The food materials of eleven of these birds are given in the following 
table: 


NO. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 5, 1879. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Flies and other insects. 

2 

July 20. 1879. 

Delaware county. Pa. 

Grasshoppers. 

3 

May 30. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and larvae. 

4 

Aug. 13, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Many crickets, etc. 

5 

Aug. 13. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Many crickets, etc 

0 

Aug. 13. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Many crickets, etc. 

7 

May 20. 1883. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Water beetles. 

8 

May 28. 1883. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Beetles and two lime-like masses. 

9 

April —. 1885. 

Orange county. Fla.. 

Various insects. 

10 

April — 1885. 

Orange county. Fla. 

Beetles and large hies. 

11 

June 1, 1880. . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Various insects. 


Suborder CYPSELI. Swifts. 

Family MICROPODID.®. Swifts. 

Subfamily CHjETURIN^I. Spine-tailed Swifts. 

Genus CH-ZETURA Stephens. 

Chaetura pelagica (Linn.). 

Chimney Swift; Chimney-bird. 

Description (Plate 90). 

Bill small, gape large, but not bristled ; tail short, tarsus and toes naked ; wings 
long ; length about5| inches; extent about 12 ' 2 ; wing about 5.10 ; sooty-brown, ex¬ 
cept throat which is much paler than other parts ; wings blackish. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, north to Labrador and the Fur countries, west 
to the plains, and passing south of the United States in winter. 

The Chimney-bird, unless resting on its nest or clinging to the sooty 
chimney sides, is always seen flying. In Pennsylvania these birds are 
generally first observed about the last week in April. In the early au- 



































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


183 


tumn they collect in large flocks before retiring to their winter resorts. 
I have observed birds of this species in Chester county (Pa.), as late as 
the 20tli of October. In this locality the nest of the Chimney Swift, or 
Swallow, as it is mostly called, is composed of small twigs, which are 
glued together and to the sooty walls of disused chimneys with the bird’s 
saliva.* The twigs used in constructing nests are broken off of trees by 
these birds when on the wing. The eggs, four or six in number, are 
white and unspotted. They measure about three fourths of an inch in 
length and about half an inch in width. 

These birds subsist entirely on various kinds of insects which they 
collect during the night as well as in daylight. 

The food materials of twelve birds which I have examined are men¬ 
tioned below: 


NO. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Matekials. 

1 

June 8, 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Beetles and other small-winged insects. 

2 

June 8, 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Remains of beetles and other insects. 

8 

June 8. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Dipterous insects. 

4 

June 8. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Fragments of beetles and other insects. 

5 

May 1. 1880. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Beetles. 

(J 

May 1, 1880. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Beetles and small-winged insects. 

7 

June 8, 1883. 

Newark. Delaware. 

Beetles and caterpillar. 

8 

June 8, 1883. 

Newai'k. Delaware. 

Beetles. 

y» 

June 8, 1883. 

Newark. Delaware,. 

Beetles. 

10 

June 8, 1883,. 

Newark. Delaware. 

Beetles and dipterous insects. 

n 

June 2. 1884. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Larvae and flies. 

12 

Aug. 11, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa.. . . 

Dipterous insects. 




Suborder TROCHILI. Hummingbirds. i 
Family TROCHILID^l. Hummingbirds. 

Genus TROCHILUS Linnaeus. 

Trochilus colubris Linn. 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird. 

Description (Plate 56). 

Male. —Tail deeply forked, the feathers all narrow and pointed ; uniform metallic 
green above ; sides of body greenish ; below white ; ruby-red gorget; wings and tail 
purplish-black. 

Female. —Metallic green of upper parts duller than in male ; tail double rounded ; 
its feathers pointed but broader than in male; no red on throat; the tail leathers 
banded with black ; the lateral ones broadly tipped with white. 

Young Male.— Very similar to adult female, but throat more or less streaked with 
dark ; tail also more forked than in female. Nearly all specimens show a trace ol 
metallic red on throat. 

Young Female. —Throat white, without streaks or specks ; tail less forked, other¬ 
wise similar to young male. Irides in old and young brown. Length about 3.25 
inches ; extent of wings about 5 inches. 

* A writer in a recent scientific journal, which I have mislaid, says : “In the case of our own Chimney 
Swifts it has lately been shown that the gelatinous matter with which the twigs are fastened together is 
of a vegetable and not an animal character, and in a particular case recently investigated by a scientist, 
the gum was found to have come from a cherry tree. 












































184 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Habitat .—Eastern North America to the plains, north to the Fur countries, and 
south, in winter, to Cuba and Veragua. 

Although fifteen distinct species of hummingbirds are given by Dr. 
Elliott Coues, as occurring within the limits of the United States, only 
one—the Euby-throat—is found east of the Mississippi river. Hum¬ 
mingbirds, as Dr. Coues observes, are peculiar to America. Species are 
found from Alaska to Patagonia. In tropical South America, particu¬ 
larly New Grenada, these beautiful feathered gems are most abundant. 
There are, it is stated, over four hundred different species of hummers 
known to scientists. 

The Buby-throated Hummingbirds, the smallest of all our feathered 
visitants, arrive in Pennsylvania about the first week in May and re¬ 
main until about the middle of September, when they migrate south. 
This species is common during the winter in Florida, where they also, 
it is said, breed. During the months of February, March and until 
about the 20th of April, I found these birds to be quite numerous in 
the orange orchards along the St. John’s river. Although humming¬ 
birds cannot be called gregarious, it is not at all uncommon, especially 
in the spring, to see a flock of twenty or more of these birds feeding 
among the flowers of some favorite tree. I have, at one time, counted 
thirty odd hummers, feeding, fighting and pluming themselves among 
the flowers of a single horse-chestnut tree. I have never seen the hum¬ 
ming bird alight on the ground, * * though it often rests on twigs and 
branches. When sitting in trees or bushes it may frequently be ob¬ 
served to spread out one wing and draw the quill-featliers through its 
bill. The nest, a beautiful cup-shaped structure, is composed of downy 
substances, chiefly of a vegetable character, covered externally with 
lichens “ which are glued on with the viscid saliva of the little workers;” 
in many instances the lichen coverings are strengthened by strands of 
cobwebs. The bird is not at all particular as to the situation which it 
chooses for nest-building. Sometimes it builds in a honeysuckle vine 
or a rose bush; at other times it erects a domicile in an apple or pear 
tree, usually, however, the nest is built on an oak or beech tree in the 
woods, and is placed mostly on the upper side of a horizontal limb. It 
is constructed by the united labor of both birds, who complete the work 
in five or six days. In this locality the nest is generally built about the 

* The following interesting extract taken from a letter sent me by Mr. Charles H. Eldon of Wil¬ 
liamsport Pa.. shows that this species has been seen resting on the ground: 

* ‘ Near my home is a field that in the summer time is used by a florist for the cultivation of flowers. 1 
have frequently repaired there in the evening when the hummingbirds were making their meal and 
seated myself quietly among the bushes (with opera glass in hand). The ruby-throats would come quite 
close, seemingly unaware of my presence, and dart here and there after their dainty food, or pause to 
sip a drop of nectar from some opening flower, ever and anon stopping for a short rest upon a stem or 
upon the ground. When they alight upon the ground they spread the tail to its full extent.' the end 
against the ground, the wings slightly drooped, resting on the tail, apparently for the purpose of steady¬ 
ing themselves. 1 have seen them playfully chasing each other, starting from the ground and after 
several sallies or playful banters returning to the ground sitting quite close to each other, when thus 
seated they fluff out their feathers and appear plump (sparrow like), quite the contrary to their appear¬ 
ance when perched upon a twig,’’ 











BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


185 


last week in May. A nest now before me measures a little over one 
inch and a half in height and one inch and a half in diameter; the cavity 
is three-quarters of an inch wide and the same in depth. This nest was 
built on the upright limb of a beech tree, where for three consecutive 
years a pair of hummers regularly nested, each season building a new 
nest over the few remaining fragments of their abode of the previous 
year. The white eggs, never more than two in number, are elliptical in 
shape, equally obtuse at both ends and measure .50 by .33 of an inch. 
The period of incubation is about ten days. Occasionally, though 
rarely I think, two broods are reared in one season. Although these 
birds feed among the flowers of various plants, they prefer those of the 
horse chestnut, honeysuckle and trumpet vine. From the fact that these 
diminutive creatures are generally observed about flowering plants, the 
popular yet erroneous belief has arisen that they subsist entirely on the 
sweets of flowers. 


Food Notes. 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 30. 1883. 

Westchester, Pa. 

Small worms and numerous small spiders 

2 

Mav 30. 1883. 

Westchester. Pa. 

Small liiesand beetles.* 

3 

May 30. 1883. 

Westchester, Pa. 

Small hies and beetles.* 

4 

May 12. 1884. 

Westchester. Pa. 

Small flies and beetles.* 

5 

May 14. 1884. 

Westchester, Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles,* 

(5 

May 14. 1884. 

Westchester. Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles.* 

7 

May 14. 1884. 

West Chester. Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles.* 

8 

May 14. 1884. 

WestChester. Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles and tiles. * 

9 

May 14. 1884. 

Westchester, Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles and flies.* 

10 

May 14. 1884. 

WestChester. Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles.* 

11 

May 14. 1884. 

WestChester. Pa.,. 

Small green-colored beetles.* 

12 

May 14. 1884. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles.* 

13 

May 14. 1884. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles.* 

14 

May 14. 1884. 

West Chester. Pa. . 

Small green-colored beetles and spiders. 

15 

May 14. 1884. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles and spiders. 

16 

May 14, 18S4. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles and spiders. 

17 

Mav 14. 1884. 

West Chester. Pa. 

Small green-colored beetles.* 

18 

Aug. 3, 1884. 

West Chester. Pa. 

Small black beetles. 

19 

Aug. 5, 1884. 

WestChester. Pa. 

Small black beetles. 

20 

Aug. 5, 1884. 

West Chester. Pa. 

Small black beetles. 


In addition to my own examinations given in the above table, it might 
be added that in March and April, 1885, I shot seventeen of these birds 
in the Florida orange orchards and found that all had only insects in their 
viscera. May 14, 1886, I received from Mr. George Hartman of, West 
Chester, Pa., fifteen hummers which had been captured while feeding 
among the flowers of a horse chestnut tree. The stomachs of these 
birds, which were kindly examined for me by Prof. C. Y. Riley, ento¬ 
mologist, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C., 
showed, chiefly, the remains of small spiders and some few coleopterous 
insects. 


These seventeen birds were all killed when feeding in horse-chestnut trees. 

























































186 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Order PASSERES. Perching birds. 

Suborder CLAMATOKES. Songless Perching Birds. 

Family TYRANNIDiE. Tyrant Flycatchers. 

THE FLY CATCHERS. 

Of the several species ol this highly beneficial family which occur in Pennsylva¬ 
nia as summer residents or passing visitants but two, viz : the Kingbird and com¬ 
mon Pewee, are generally known to those who are not interested in ornithological 
pursuits. Both of these birds are common breeders about the habitations of man, 
and unlike most others of their kin are not shy or difficult to approach. Although 
at times some of the Flycatchers descend to the earth for food, it is safe to sa}' 
that these birds, collectively considered, are seldom observed on the ground feed¬ 
ing. Nine representatives of this family occur in Pennsylvania, and all but two— 
Traill’s and the Olive-sided Flycatchers—breed here regularly, and probably both 
birds last named breed sparingly and irregularly, within our limits. I have been 
informed that traillii has been seen here in summer, and borealis —a very rare 
visitor—Mr. August Kock is quite positive breeds occasionally in the mountain¬ 
ous regions of Lycoming county. Flycatchers, as the name would indicate, feed 
largely on winged insects, and some also subsist to a small extent, in the fall and 
winter especially, on small fruit of different kinds. 

“The structure of the bill is admirably adapted for the capture of winged insects; 
the broad and deeply fissured mandibles form a capacious mouth, while the long- 
bristles are of service in entangling the creatures in a trap and restraining their 
struggles to escape. The shape of the wings and tail confers the power of rapid and 
varied aerial evolutions necessary for the successful pursuit of active flying insects. 
A little practice in field ornithology will enable one to recognize the Flycatchers from 
their habit of perching in wait for their prey upon some prominent outpost, in a 
peculiar attitude, with the wings and tail drooped and vibrating in readiness for in¬ 
stant action, and of dashing into the air, seizing the passing insect with a quick 
movement and a click of the bill, and then returning to their stand. Although 
certain Oscines have somewhat the same habit, these pursue insects from place to 
place, instead of perching in wait at a particular spot, and their forays are not made 
with such admirable elan. Dependent entirely upon insect food, the Flycatchers 
are necessarily migratory in our latitude. They appear with great regularity in 
spring and depart on the approach of cold weather in the fall. * * * The voice, 
susceptible of little modulation, is usually harsh and strident, though some species 
have no unmusical whistle or twitter.”— Cone's Key. 

Bill broad at base, culmen flattened or rounded ; fhe maxilla tapers to a sharp 
point, curved downward at the end (being hooked). The small and roundish nos¬ 
trils are partly covered with bristles ; gape wide with long stiff bristles ; legs rather 
short; feet small and weak, with rather lengthened, curved and sharp-pointed 
claws; tail long, twelve feathers ; tarsi naked ; sexes alike ; medium sized or very 
small; the larger species have blackish bills, and smaller kinds usually have yellow¬ 
ish colored lower mandibles ; eyes brown, legs and feet blackish. 

Genus , Tyrannus : Head (adults) with concealed patch of orange-red; wings long 
and pointed ; second and third quills longest; first and fourth about equal but shorter 
than second and third; in adults the first two or three quills are rather abruptly nar¬ 
rowed near the tips; tarsus little longer than hind toe with claw; the broad and 
nearly even tail is shorter than the wings ; plumage dark above, white below, tail 
broadly tipped with white. 

Genus , Myiarchus : Head with well developed crest; wings long, a little rounded, 
about equal to long, broad and even tail; first primary shorter than sixth and 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


187 


much shorter than second, third and fourth, which are about equal ; tarsus a little 
longer than middle toe; plumage above brownish-olive, throat bluish-ash ; belly 
white, inner webs of tail feathers decidedly rufous. 

Genus, Sayornis: Head moderately crested; wings slightly pointed ; third quill 
longest, second, fourth and fifth nearly equal; and first shorter than sixth ; tail 
slightly forked. Tarsus decidedly longer than middle toe which is but little longer 
than hind toe. Plumage above brownish, darkest on head, below whitish, but in 
fall and winter lower parts are frequently quite yellowish. 

Genus, Contopus : Head slightly crested ; wings longer than the slightly forked 
tail and pointed ; the first primary about as long as fourth ; the wings are much 
longer than tail; tarsus short and stout; is a little longer than hind toe and scarcely 
as long as middle toe and claw. Plumage above olive brown, yellowish below with 
darkish patches on sides of breast. 

Genus, Empulonax: Head slightly crested ; wings rather rounded and not much 
longer than the nearly even tail ; second, third and fourth quills about equal, form 
point of wing ; first quill much shorter than fourth ; tarsus longer than middle toe 
and claw, whicli is also decidedly longer than hind toe. Plumage greenish-brown 
above, more or less yellowish below and generally grayish on throat. 


Genus TYEANNUS Cuvier. 

Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.). 

Kingbird ; Beebird. 

Description {Plate 24 ). 

‘‘ Length about 85 inches ; extent about 14| inches ; above blackish-ash ; top of head 
quite black ; crown with a concealed patch of orange red; lower parts pure white, 
tinged with pale bluish-ash on the sides of the throat and across the breast; sides of 
breast and under the wings similar to, but rather lighter than the back; axillaries 
pale grayish-brown tipped with lighter ; the wings dark-brown, darkest toward the 
end of the quills ; the greater coverts and quills edged with white, most so on the 
tertials ; the lesser coverts edged with paler ; upper tail-coverts and upper surface of 
the tail glossy black, the latter very dark brown beneath ; all the feathers tipped, 
and the exterior margined externally with white, forming a conspicuons terminal 
band about .25 of an inch broad. 

Young. —Very similar but colors generally duller; the concealed colored patch on 
the crown wanting; the tail and wings in some specimens often edged with rusty.” 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, from British Provinces south to Central and 
South America. Rare west of the Rocky mountains (Utah, Nevada, Washington 
Territory, etc.). 

This well known bird is a common summer resident in Pennsylvania, 
where it arrives usually about the 25tli of April. The males precede the 
females in their arrival by some three or four days. These birds gener¬ 
ally, I think, migrate singly ; I have never observed them in the spring 
in small flocks. During the month of February and until the 20th of 
March, 1885, I saw no Kingbirds in various localities along the St. John’s 
river, Florida, but from the 20th of March and until quite late in April 
these birds (in that state called Field Martins) were oftentimes met with. 

The technical name tyrannus given to the subject of this present 
sketch is particularly appropriate, as this bird during the breeding sea¬ 
son is ever on the alert, and seemingly anxious to attack his feathered 










188 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


neighbors. Whenever a hawk or crow is observed flying, even at a con¬ 
siderable distance, this little warrior immediately starts in pursuit, and 
by his rapid flight speedily overtakes the object of his wrath and utter¬ 
ing almost continually his sharp and rapid twitter, is seen to mount 
above his adversary and make repeated and violent assaults on the head 
of his flying victim, who, frequently, to escape further persecution, makes 
a precipitate retreat to a tree, bushes or the ground. The nest, a rather 
bulky and loosely made structure, is composed of grasses, weeds, roots, 
etc., and is built generally on the limb of an apple or pear tree in an or¬ 
chard ; sometimes, however, nests are placed in oak and other trees. It 
is built by the joint labor of both birds, who complete this work in about 
five days. The eggs, usually four or five in number, are creamy-white 
spotted conspicuously with different shades of brown and indistinct spots 
of bluish-gray. The eggs vary greatly in size; a large one measures an 
inch in length and three-fourths of an inch in width. The period of incuba¬ 
tion is about fourteen days. From his favorite perch either on a stake, 
the top of a tree or a high weed in the field, the Kingbird watches for 
his insect prey; at other times he is observed flying over a field in a 
manner similar to that of the Sparrow Hawk, watching for grasshoppers, 
crickets or other insects. As Wilson observes, he sometimes hovers over 
a river or pond, darting after insects that frequent such places, snatch¬ 
ing them from the surface of the water, and diving about in the air like 
a swallow. Some few years ago I saw a Kingbird dart down to the 
water in a shallow pond and fly off with a shining object in his bill, that 
at the time I thought appeared like a small fish, but never having seen 
or heard of this species feeding on fishes, but little notice was taken of 
the bird, which flew to a tree some two hundred yards distant. From 
an article published in the Forest and Stream, September 2, 1882, and 
written by Milton P. Peirce, it appears that Kingbirds sometimes feed 
on fishes. Mr. Peirce writes: “ These birds are very abundant about 
my premises, nesting in some cases within a few feet of my residence. 
* * * I have often noticed them striking the surface of the water 

in my fish ponds, but supposed they were either taking a bath or else 
catching insects which were flying near the surface of the water. When 
I constructed my bass pond, a few years age, I stocked it with minnows 
to afford ample food for the bass. At times the entire surface of the 
pond seems alive with them. A few days ago I observed at least a half 
dozen Kingbirds perched on trees and bushes, near the margin of the 
pond, and almost every moment some of them would dive into the water 
precisely like a Kingfisher, and I concluded they were catching bugs or 
other insects, which were floating upon the surface of the water. Watch¬ 
ing them closely, I soon saw one of them leave the water with something 
preceptibly shining in its bill. It alighted on a tree about fifty yards 
from where I was sitting, and acted precisely as a Kingfisher does when 
killing a fish. Taking a telescope, I took an observation and discovered 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


189 


that the Kingbird had a minnow not less than three inches long. I con¬ 
tinued my observations for about fifteen minutes, and during that time 
these birds caught several small minnows and ate them.” Notwithstand¬ 
ing the benefits which this bird confers, destroying, as Dr. Coues re¬ 
marks, a thousand noxious insects for every bee it eats, many farmers 
and others who keep honey-bees, are ever ready to slay every Kingbird 
which visits their premises. Although it is believed by some that these 
birds take only drone bees, such is not the case, as I have found both 
drone and working-bees in their stomachs; Mr. Gentry, also, in speaking 
of the bee-eating habit states that the Kingbird is no respector of kinds. 
Nuttall writing of this bird says: As insects approach him, or as he 
darts after them, the snapping of his bill is heard, like the shutting of 
a watch-case, and is the certain grave of his prey. Beetles, grasshoppers, 
crickets and winged insects of all descriptions form his principal sum¬ 
mer food; at times canker worms from the elm are also collected. To¬ 
wards autumn, as various kinds of berries ripen, these constitute a very 
considerable and favorite part of his subsistence; but, with the excep- 
I tion of currants (of which he only eats perhaps when confined), he re¬ 
fuses all exotic productions, contenting himself with blackberries, 

I whortleberries, those of the sassafras, elder and poke. The same writer 
further says : “Raisins, foreign currants, grapes, cherries, peaches, pears 
and apples were never even tasted, when offered to a bird of this kind, 
which I had many months as my pensioner; of the last when roasted, 
sometimes, however, a few mouthfuls were relished, in the absence of 
I other more agreeable diet. Berries he always swallowed whole, grass- 
' hoppers, if too large, were pounded and broken on the floor, as he held 
them in his bill. To manage the larger beetles was not so easy; these 
he struck repeatedly against the ground and then turned them from side 
to side, by throwing them dexterously into the air, and the insect was 
uniformly caught reversed as it descended, with the agility of a practiced 
cup-and-ball player. At length the pieces of the beetle were swallowed, 
and he remained still to digest his morsel, tasting it distinctly soon after 
it entered the stomach, as became obvious by the ruminating motion of 
his mandibles. When the soluble portion was taken up, large pellets of 
the indigestible legs, wings and shells, as likewise the skins and seeds 
of berries, were, in half an hour or less, brought up and ejected from the 
mouth in the manner, of hawks and owls. When other food failed, lie 
appeared very well satisfied with fresh minced meat, and drank water 
frequently, even during the severe frosts of January. * * * Some 

very cold evenings he had the sagacity to retire under the shelter of a 
depending bed-quilt.” The few examinations which I have made are 
given in the following table: 





190 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 5 1880, . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Diptera and beetles. 

2 

June 9, 1880. 

New Castle county, Del. 

Two honey-bees. 

3 

June 9. 1880. 

New Castle county, Del. 

Stomach gorged .vith honey-bees. 

t 

June 13, 1880. 

New Castle county, Del. 

One honey-bee. 

5 

June 14, 1880. 

New Castle county, Del. 

Beetles and two honey-bees. 

ti 

May 21. 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and other insects. 

7 

June 11, 1884,. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Diptera and raspberry seeds. 

8 

June 13. 1884,. 

New Castle, Del. 

Beetles and dipterous insects. 

9 

June 13, 1884. 

New Castle, Del. 

Beetles and larva?. 

10 

Aug. 10, 1881. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Seeds and berries. 

11 

July 5, 1885. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Various insects. 

12 

Aug. 11, 1885. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Colorado potato beetle and seeds. 


Genus MYIARCHUS Cabanis. 

Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.). 

Crested Flycatcher. 

Description (Plate 91). 

“ Length about 85 inches ; extent about 13| inches ; head with a depressed crest; 
upper parts dull greenish-olive, with the feathers of the crown, and to some extent 
of the back, showing their brown centers ; upper tail-coverts turning to pale rustv- 
brown ; small feathers at the base of the bill, sides of the head as high as the upper 
eyelid, sides of the neck, throat, and fore part of the breast, bluish-asliy ; the rest of 
the lower parts, including axillaries and lower wing coverts, bright sulphur-yellow ; 
a pale ring around the eyes ; sides of the breast and body tinged with olivaceous ; the 
wings brown, the first and second rows of coverts, with the secondary and tertial 
quills, margined externally with dull-white, or on the latter slightly tinged with 
olivaceous-yellow ; primaries margined externally for more than half their length 
from the base with ferruginous ; great portion of the inner webs of all the quills very 
pale ferruginous ; the two middle tail feathers light brown, shafts paler, the rest 
have the outer web and a narrow line on the inner sides of the shaft brown, pale 
olivaceous on the outer edge, the remainder ferruginous to the very tip ; outer web 
of exterior feather dull brownish-yellow ; bill dark-brown above and at the tip below, 
paler towards the base.”— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States and Southern Canada, west to the plains, south 
through eastern Mexico to Costa Rica. 

The Crested Flycatcher, although probably not as abundant as the 
preceding species, is a common summer resident in Pennsylvania. I 
have seen these birds in the southern portions of this State as early as 
the 23d of April, usually, however, they arrive about the first of May 
and remain until late in September, when they migrate southward and 
winter, it is stated, beyond the southern borders of the United States. 
Although this species sometimes nests in orchards and other places near 
houses, it is chiefly found in wooded districts. Unlike all other of our 
flycatchers, these birds build their nests in holes of trees, and occasion¬ 
ally in hollow fence rails or posts. I have examined thirteen nests of the 
Crested Flycatcher, which were found in Pennsylvania, and in ten of 
this number discovered the remains of cast off skins of snakes. The 
eggs, usually five, are of a creamy brown ground color with numerous 
dark brownish blotches or spots and lines, the latter generally of a purp- 











































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


191 


lish tint appear as if traced with a pen. The eggs measure about .86 
long by .65 wide. The nest of this bird is constructed of various mate¬ 
rials, such as feathers, hay, leaves, etc. Mr. Gentry some few years ago 
found a nest of this species, near Germantown, which was placed be¬ 
tween the bifurcated branch of an apple tree. “ It was composed almost 
entirely of feathers of our common Gallus, which w T ere held together by 
long grasses.” The note of this bird is a harsh squeak or kind of whis¬ 
tle, exceedingly unpleasant to the ear, and which can be heard to a con¬ 
siderable distance. The food of this species is mainly of an insectivo¬ 
rous nature ; in the late summer and autumn different kinds of berries 
are oftentimes fed upon. Some writers state that the Crested Flycatch¬ 
ers like the Kingbirds, are equally fond of honey-bees. Mr. Gentry says: 
“From the vast numbers of ground beetles, which have been noticed in 
the numerous stomachs which we have examined, it is obvious that the 
species leads almost wholly a terrestrial existence for a week or so after 
its arrival. As the season advances, and the higher types of insects 
swarm into existence, it becomes more exclusively arboreal and aerial, 
so to speak. We have watched these birds for hours, while perched upon 
a dead branch of a tree, in the active enjoyment of procuring a full meal. 
Their movements are perfectly ludicrous. There they sit, bobbing the 
head this way and then that way, now up and then down, ever on the 
alert for caitiffs, which form their appropriate diet. Hosts of lepidop- 
tera, both larvae and imagoes, are greedily devoured.” 

In the following table will be found the results of the few examina¬ 
tions which I have made of the Crested Flycatcher: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materia ls. 

1 

May 17. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Large flies. 

2 

May 17. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

3 

May 30. 1881. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and flies. 

4 

May 14, 1882. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Beetles and larvae. 

5 

June 8, 1883. 

New Castle Delaware. 

Larvae. 

6 

June 8, 1883. 

New Castle, Delaware. 

Butterflies. 

7 

June 8, 1883,. 

New Castle, Delaware. 

Beetles. 

8 

Sept. 12. 1883. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Berries and beetles. 

9 

Aug. 7, 1884. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Seeds and pulp of berries. 


Genus SAYORNIS Bonaparte. 
Sayornis phoebe (Lath.). 

Phoebe; Pewee. 


Description ( Plate 91). 

“Sides of breast and upper parts dull olive-brown, fading slightly toward the tail; 
top and sides of head dark-brown ; a few dull white feathers on the eyelids; lower 
parts dull yellowish-white, mixed -with brown on the chin, and in some individuals 
across the breast; quills brown, the outer primary, secondaries, and tertials edged 
with dull white ; in some individuals the greater coverts faintly edged with dull- 
white ; tail brown, outer edge of lateral feathers dull-white, outer edges of the rest 


































192 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


like the back ; tibiae brown ; bill and feet black ; bill slender, edges nearly straight; 
tail rather broad, and slightly forked, third quill longest, second and fourth nearly 
equal, the first shorter than sixth. 

“In autumn, and occasionally in early spring, the colors are much clearer and 
brighter. Whole lower parts sometimes bright sulphur-yellow, above greenish- 
olive, top and sides of head tinged with sooty ; in the young of the year, the colors 
are much duller ; all the wing-coverts broadly tipped with light ferruginous, as also 
the extreme ends of the wings and tail feathers ; the brown is prevalent on the whole 
throat and breast; the hind part of the back, rump, and tail, strongly ferruginous. 
Length about 7 inches ; extent about 11 inches.”— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, from the British Provinces south to eastern 
Mexico and Cuba, wintering from the south Atlantic and Gulf states southward. 

The Phoebe bird or Pewee, so named from its note, is one of our ear¬ 
liest spring* migrants; it arrives in Pennsylvania mostly about the mid¬ 
dle of March, and continues in this region until about the 15th of Octo¬ 
ber. A few individuals sometimes linger as late as the first of Novem¬ 
ber. In the early part of February, 1883, I saw Mr. C. D. Wood, of 
Philadelphia, skinning a Pewee which had been shot on the 22d of Jan- 
uary, 1883, at Spring City, Chester county, Pa. 

In Cecil county, Maryland, and the southern portion of Delaware, I 
have, on different occasions, seen these birds as late as the 25th of No¬ 
vember. During the latter part of February, 1885, when camping at 
Drayton Island, in Lake George, Florida, I obtained five of these fly¬ 
catchers, and found that all had fed chiefly on Palmetto berries. The 
nest is generally built under a bridge or shelving rocks; oftentimes, 
however, this species is found breeding about barns and other buildings. 
Although the Pew r ee seldom breeds in the woods, it occasionally builds 
its nests against the dirt covered roots of trees which have been blown 
over; I have twice found their nests, in forests, placed in these situa¬ 
tions. Both sexes engage in building their nest, which is completed in 
about six days. The materials used in its construction are mosses, 
grasses, fine roots, mud, feathers, etc. The eggs, usually five in num¬ 
ber, are pure white and unspotted; sometimes, however they are faintly 
spotted with reddish-brown. They measure about .80 of an inch in 
length, and .55 of an inch in width. Incubation, which is engaged in 
only by the female, lasts for a period of about twelve days. During the 
late summer, autumn and winter, I have noticed that these birds, in ad¬ 
dition to various insects, feed to a considerable extent on different kinds 
of fruits, such as those of the raspberry, blackberry, poke, wild-grape 
and cedar. The young of this species are fed exclusively on insects. 

The food materials of sixteen Pewees examined by the writer are 
given in the following table: 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

\ , 


193 


No. 

Date. 

1 

Mar. 31, 1880. . . . 

2 

•Mar. 31, 1880. . . . 

3 

Mar. 31, 1880, . . . 

4 

Sept. 11. 1880. . . . 

5 

Oct. 2. 1880, . . . 

6 

Oct. 4. 1880, . . . 

7 

Oct. 6, 1880, . . . 

8 

Oct. (!, 1880. . . . 

9 

Oct. (i, 1880. . , . 

10 

Oct. 6, 1880. . . . 

11 

Oct. 6, 1880. . . . 

12 

Oct. 7, 1880, . . . 

13 

Oct. 7, 1880, . . . 

14 

Sept. 30. 1882. . . . 

15 

Sept. 30, 1882, . . . 

10 

Sept. 30, ,1882, . . . 


Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

New Castle county, Del. 

New Castle county, Del. 

New Castle county, Del. 

East Bradford, Pa.,. 

East Bradford, Pa...! 

East Bradford, Pa.. 

Willlstown, Pa. 

Willistown, Pa.,. 

Willistown, Pa.,. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Willistown, Pa.,. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Chester county, Pa... 

Chester county, Pa... 

Chester county, Pa... 

Beetles. 

Purple colored insects (diptera). 
Various insects (principally diptera). 
Flies and remains of beetles. 

Beetles and small tiies. 

Flies and small berries. 

Flies and beetles.*- 

Small worms and remains of beetles. * 

Grasshoppers and hies.* 

Several large yellow wasp-like insects.* 
Numerous flies.* 

Large wasp-like insect.* 

Large wasp-like insect.* 

Beetles, grasshoppers and crickets. 
Beetles and tiies. 

Grasshoppers and few beetles. 


Genus CONTOPUS Cabanis. 

Contopus virens (Linn.). 

Wood Pewee. 

Description ( Plate 91). 

Length about 6j inches ; extent about 10 ; above dusky brownish-olive, darkest on 
•head ; sides of head, neck and breast similar, but much paler on breast; lower parts 
light-yellowish, the latter most conspicuous on middle of belly ; narrow white ring 
around eye ; two white wing bars; upper mandible blackish, lower yellow (in young 
lower mandible is dusky). The young are duller in plumage and whitish mark¬ 
ings on wings, as well as feathers of upper parts, more or less edged with pale rusty. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America to the plains, and from southern Canada south¬ 
ward. 

. \ _ 

The Wood Pewee, a common summer resident, arrives in Pennsylva¬ 
nia early in May and continues with us until about September 20. This 
bird is found commonly in forests or the shady retreats of apple or¬ 
chards. During* the breeding* season, particularly, the Wood Pewee 
when perched on the dead branches of trees, watching* for his insect 
prey, utters a peculiar plaintive drawling* note—“ pe-a-wee, a-pee-wee !”— 
which once heard is rarely forg*otten. A writer has very properly said 
that these notes in the latter part of the summer are almost the only 
ones heard in the woods. The thin-bottomed, thick-walled and somewhat 
saucer-shaped nest, built usually on a thick, horizontal tree limb, is 
composed, internally, of grass stems, fine fibers of roots or other soft 
substances, and covered externally with lichens, which are held in place 
by cobwebs or “ glued to the other materials by the birds saliva.” The 
eggs, four or five in number, are yellowisli-white, with reddish-brown 
and lilac spots, generally in a ring about the larger end. They measure 
about .75 of an inch in length, and a little over .50 of an inch in width. 
I have never found Wood Pewees feeding on small fruits, but have 
always observed that they feed exclusively on insects. Audubon, how¬ 
ever, states, during the winter months, he has observed these birds in 


13 Birds. 


* Taken in the mornings’ feeding near a pond. 




































194 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Florida, Louisiana and other of the southern states, feeding on “ differ¬ 
ent berries, as well as insects.” 

The stomach contents of thirteen of these birds which I have cap¬ 
tured during the summer time^ in different sections of the state, con¬ 
sisted of flies, small beetles, butterflies, etc. 


Contopus borealis (Swains.). 

Olive-sided Flycatcher. 


Description. 

“Wings long, much pointed ; second quill longest; first longer than third. Tail 
deeply forked. Tarsi short. The upper parts ashy-brown, showing dark-brown 
centres of the feathers ; this is eminently the case on the top of the head ; the sides 
of the head and neck, of the breast and body resembling the back, but the edges of 
the feathers tinged with gray, leaving a darker central streak. The chin, throat, 
narrow line down middle of breast and abdomen, and lower tail-coverts white, or 
sometimes with a faint tinge of yellow. The lower tail-coverts somewhat streaked 
with brown in the center. On each side of rump generally concealed by the wings, 
is an elongated bunch of white silky feathers. The wings and tail very dark-brown, 
the former with the edges of secondaries and tertials edged with dull-white. The 
lower wing-coverts and axillaries grayish-brown. The tips of the primaries and 
tail feathers rather paler. Feet and upper mandible black; lower mandible brown. 
The young of the year similar, but the color duller ; edges of wing feathers dull- 
rusty instead of grayish-white. The feet light brown. Length 1\ ; extent about 13± ; 
wing, 4.33 ; tail, 3.30 ; tarsus .60.”— Hist. N. Am. B. 

Habitat .—North America, breeding from the northern and the higher mountain¬ 
ous parts of the United States northward. In winter, south to Central America, etc. 

The Olive-sided Flycatcher, by far the rarest of all the family found 
in this state, arrives here about the first week in May. Judge Libhart 
states that this species (probably fifteen or twenty years ago) was found 
as a breeder in Lancaster county, where, however, in recent years it has 
been observed by Dr. Treichler and others only as a very rare spring 
and fall migrant. Prof. August Kock says it is seldom seen, but he is 
quite positive that it breeds occasionally in the mountains of Lycoming 
county, and Prof. H. J. Roddy is also of the opinion that it occurs as a 
rare breeder in parts of Perry county. Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, of Erie; H. 
C. Kirkpatrick, of Crawford; Dr. J. W. Detwiller, of Northampton, and 
Dr. W. Yan Fleet, of Clinton, are the only naturalists, other than those 
previously mentioned, whose reports have been sent to me and in which 
reference is made to this bird, and they all record it as a rare migrant 
in the spring and fall. A few specimens of this species have been cap 
tured at irregular intervals, in the spring and fall, in Chester, Delaware 
and Philadelphia counties during the past fifteen years. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


195 


Genus EMPIDONAX Cabanis. 

Empidonax flaviventris Baird. 

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. 

Description. 

Bill short and very broad ; length about 5^ ; extent about 8 § ; tail about 2.60 ; 
wing about 2.40 ; above olive-green, in fact decidedly greenish ; lining of wings and 
lower parts sulphur-yellow, very decided, except on breast which is similar to back, 
but paler ; wing bars yellowish-white ; well marked yellow ring around eye ; upper 
mandible blackish, the lower yellow. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America to the plains, and from southern Labrador 
south through eastern Mexico to Panama, breeding from the northern states north¬ 
ward. 

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is reported by numerous observers to 
be a regular summer resident in various parts of the state, especially in 
the mountainous districts. Prof. August Kock, wTiting of this bird in 
Lycoming county, says it “ breeds in tangled thickets; in almost every 
I such thicket, interwoven with thorns and near a stream, a pair may be 
observed through the summer.” I have never found the nest or eggs of 
this flycatcher. Dr. Coues states that it nests “ in swamps, close to 
ground, in a stump, log, or roots of an upturned tree, thick and bulky, 
of mosses, etc., deeply cupped.” The eggs are said to be usually four, 
measuring about .70 X .50, buffy or creamy-white, spotted chiefly about 
larger end wdth reddish-brown. 

The note as described by Dr. Coues is a low soft pe-a, uttered slowly. 
The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is usually seen perched on the low limbs 
of trees or bushes, along the borders of streams or ponds in the woods. 
I have never observed it on the high branches of trees. According to 
Mr. Gentry it is occasionally observed on the ground, in active pursuit 
of insects, which contribute to its bill of fare. In the few examinations 
which I have made of this species the following insects were found: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

September 22, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

2 

September 24, 1880,. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Small flies. 

3 

September 25. 1880. 

Chester county, \Pa. 

Beetles and flies. 

4 

September 30, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa.,. 

Grasshopper. 


Empidonax acadicus (Gmel.). 

Acadian Flycatcher; “Hick-up.” 

Description (P/ate 91). 

Length about 6| inches ; extent about 9* ; above grayish-green ; below whitish ; 
throat and middle of belly white. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, chiefly southward, west to the plains, south to 
Cuba and Costa Rica. 



































196 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


For a period of about five months, or from early in May until late in 
September, the Acadian Flycatcher is a common resident in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, frequenting’ chiefly woodland. This species is somewhat shy 
and difficult to approach, and like the Cuckoo or Yellow-breasted Chat, 
is oftener heard than seen. I have heard this bird called “Hick-up” 
from its peculiar note. The shallow, saucer-shaped and loosely made 
nest is placed usually on a drooping’ and forked branch of a tree in the 
forest, a dog-wood, beech or hickory generally being selected. It is 
composed of blossoms, g-rasses, fine rootlets or line pieces of bark. 
The majority of nests which I have found in the vicinity of West Ches¬ 
ter, Pa., were built entirely of blossoms. The nests are rarely more 
than eight or ten feet from the ground, and are so open at the bottom 
that the eggs can readily be seen from below. The eggs, usually three 
in number, are very similar in size, etc., to those of the Wood Pewee— 
they are creamy-wliite, spotted with reddish-brown. During the late 
summer and autumn months this species subsists to a limited extent on 
various kinds of berries. 

The food materials of seven of these birds are given in the following 
table: 


NO. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 10, 1879. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

2 

June 11. 1880. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Large Hies and larva;. 

3 

June 20, 1880. 

Chester county, Pa... 

Various insects. 

4 

Aug. 20, 1882. 

Chester county, Pa.. . . • *. 

Berries. 

5 

Aug. 30. 1882. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and Hies. 

6 

Sept. 20, 1882. 

Chester county. Pa. 

Insects. 

7 

May 20, 1883,. 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 


Empidonax pusillus traillii (Aud.). 

Traill’s Flycatcher. 


Description. 

“Upper parts dark olive-green, lighter under the wings, and duller and more 
tinged with asb on nape and sides of the neck ; center of the crown feathers brown ; 
a pale yellowish-white ring (in some specimens altogether white) round the eye ; 
loral feathers mixed with white ; chin and throat white ; the breast and sides of 
throat light-asli tinged with olive, its intensity varying in individuals, the former 
sometimes faintly tinged with olive ; sides of the breast much like the back ; mid¬ 
dle of the belly nearly white; sides of the belly, abdomen and the lower tail-coverts 
sulphur-yellow ; the quills and tail-feathers dark-brown, as dark (if not more so) as 
these parts in C. virens ; two olivaceous yellow white bands on the wing, formed 
by the tips of the first and second coverts, succeeded by a brown one ; the edge of 
the first primary and of secondaries and tertials a little lighter shade of the same ; 
the outer edge of the tail feathers like the back, that of the lateral one rather lighter ; 
bill above dark brown, dull brownish beneath ; iris brown. Length nearly Cinches; 
extent about 8.75 inches.”— B. B. of N. A. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, breeding from the Middle States (southern 
Illinois and Missouri) northward ; in winter south to Central America. 

Traill’s Flycatcher, a somewhat suspicious frequenter of thickets, near 

































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


197 


streams or ponds, I have found in Pennsylvania only as a rare spring 
and autumnal migrant. In the spring it arrives generally early in May; 
when returning to its winter resorts beyond the southern limits of the 
United States, it is again seen, but only for a few days, about the twen¬ 
tieth of September. In addition to insects, this species, it is stated, 
feeds also on different kinds of berries. 

I have been informed that Traill’s Flycatcher has been seen in the 
mountainous parts of this state during the summer. Possibly it breeds 
here. Its eggs, it is said, are hardly distinguishable from those of 
acadicus, and the nest is not flat like that of the Acadian Flycatcher. 
The note, of traillii, is described by Coues as “a flat kewink , kewink, 
slowly.” 


Empidonax minimus Baird. 


Least Flycatcher. 


Description. 

Length about 5§ inches; extent about 8; above grayish-olive, darkest on head, 
and much paler on rump and upper tail-coverts; middle of back decidedly oliva¬ 
ceous ; ring about eye and few loral feathers white ; sides of head and neck ashy ; 
lower parts whitish with yellowish toward base of tail; wing bars white. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, south in winter to Central America. Breeds 
from the northern states northward. 


The Least Flycatcher is a common summer resident in many parts of 
Pennsylvania. During the last two years I have found this species to 
be very numerous in different sections of Crawford, Erie, McKean, Cam¬ 
bria and other counties in the summer time. This bird, I have noticed, 

1 frequents the edges of woods, thickets and also gardens and orchards. 
“ Nest in upright crotch of tree, shrub or sapling; small neat, compact- 
walled, deeply cupped; eggs three to four, white, normally unmarked, 
rarely speckled, .60 to .69 long, averaging .65 by .51. Note a sharp 
che-bec, or se-ivick'”- - Coues . 

Suborder OSCLNES. Song Birds. 


Family ALAUDID.®. Larks. 


Genus OTOCORIS Bonaparte. 

Otocoris alpestris (Linn.). 

Horned Lark. 

Description. 

Length about inches; extent about 14 ; bill and legs blackish ; eyes brown. 
Upper parts grayish-brown and pinkish-brown ; this pinkish color is brightest on 
nape, rump and lesser wing-coverts ; back much streaked with dusky. A streak 
from bill runs back below eye and on sides of head, and pectoral patch, black. Fore- 






198 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


head and line over eye and lower parts except the sides, and sides of breast, which 
are very similar to back, white, long tufts or “horns” black ; chin and throat yel¬ 
low ; very long hind claw ; middle tail feathers about same as back ; the rest black, 
the outer pair with white outer webs. 

Habitat .—Northeastern North America, Greenland and northern parts of the Old 
World ; in winter south in the eastern United States to the Carolinas, Illinois, etc. 

The Horned Lark is a somewhat common winter resident in eastern 
Pennsylvania. It arrives in this region, from its northern breeding 1 
grounds, early in November, and remains until about the last week in 
February. These birds, during their residence with us, are usually 
found in small parties of twelve or twenty, occasionally, however, flocks 
of a hundred or more are seen. The Horned Larks frequent fields, or 
other similar open situations, where seeds of different weeds and grasses 
are procurable. When deep snows cover their favorite feeding grounds, 
they oftentimes are observed in public roads throughout the country 
districts searching for food; they also at times, when driven by hunger, 
visit barnyards. 

According to Nuttall their food consists of various kinds of seeds 
which remain on the grass and weeds, and the eggs and dormant larvae 
of insects, when they fall in their way. In the stomachs of thirteen of 
these birds, taken in Chester and Delaware counties (Pa.), I found that 
eleven had fed on different kinds of small seeds; two, in addition to 
small seeds, had fed on grain (particles of corn and oats). 

The Prairie Horned Lark ( 0 . a. praticola, Hensli.,) is the common 
form in the region of Lake Erie, where it occurs as a regular summer 
resident. This last named geographical “ race ” or variety, is the bird 
which occurs throughout the western and central parts of the state. It 
is smaller and paler in color than the typical alpestris. The nest is 
built in a depression of the ground in a field, the eggs, said to be 
usually four in number, are described as a light-greenish or dull-greenish 
buff, spotted with different shades of brown. 

Note. —In the spring of 1852 Mr. John Gorgas, of Wilmington, Dela¬ 
ware, liberated about fifty Skylarks {Alauda arvensis, Linn.), which he 
had imported from England, near the city of Wilmington. For a period 
of about two years these birds were seen at irregular intervals in the 
counties of Chester and Delaware, Pa., but in the fall of 1854, I am in¬ 
formed by Mr. B. M. Everhart, of West Chester, they disappeared and 
have not since been seen. 

Family CORVHLE. Crowds, Jays, Etc. 

THE CROWS AND JAYS. 

Five species of this family are found in Pennsylvania. The American Crow and 
Blue Jay are two of the best known species, both are common and are found with 
us during all seasons. The Fish Crow occurs as a summer resident in a few locali¬ 
ties in southeastern Pennsylvania, chiefly along the Delaware and Susquehanna 
rivers. The Raven, a resident in the wildest of our mountainous regions, is, in some 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


199 


parts, reported to be quite plentiful, and the Canada Jay—called also Whisky 
Jack and Moose-bird—which breeds from Maine northward, is found here only as a 
rare straggler in winter. Although of an omnivorous nature, these birds feed 
chiefly on an animal diet. 

“ Primaries ten ; the flrst short, usually about half as long as the second ; the four 
outer sinuated on the inner edge. Nostrils concealed by narrow stiffened bristles 
or bristly leathers directed forwards. Tarsi scutellate anteriorly, the sides undi¬ 
vided (except sometimes below) and separated from anterior plates by a narrow 
naked strip, sometimes filled up with small scales. Basal joint of middle toe united 
♦or about half its length to each lateral one.” 


Subfamily GARRULINA1 Jays. 

Genus CYANOCITTA Strickland. 

Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.). 

Blue Jay; Jay-bird. 

Description {Plate 25). 

Head crested; bill rather slender; length about 12 inches; extent about 17; bill 
and legs black ; eyes brown ; crest and upper back a light purplish-blue ; wings and 
tail bright blue ; lower parts whitish and grayish-white, crossed on lower throat by 
a black collar which unites with black feathers on sides of head and crest; narrow 
frontal line and lores black. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America to the plains, and from the Fur countries south 
to Florida and eastern Texas. 

The Blue Jay is found in Pennsylvania during- all seasons of the year, 
but in the autumn and summer months this species is much more plen¬ 
tiful than at other periods. This beautiful bird is an inhabitant chiefly 
of forests. During- the breeding- season the Jays associate in pairs, but 
in the late summer and autumn it is not unusual to find them in small 
flocks. I have seen on several occasions as many as twenty-five of these 
birds feeding- in beech, chestnut or cedar trees. Both sexes eng-ag-e in 
nest-building-, which, in this latitude, is beg-un about the 20th of April. 
A nest which I saw the birds building: was completed in five days. The 
nest, a strong- bulky structure, composed chiefly of twig-s and fine roots, 
is placed commonly in a tree in the woods; sometimes, thoug-li rarely 
in this locality, nests are built in low bushes. The eg-g-s, four to six in 
number, mostly five, are greenish or brownish-gray, spotted with brown. 
Leng-th about 1.15 inches, width .84 of an inch. In Florida the Blue 
Jay * nests some five or six weeks earlier than in this latitude, at least I 
suppose this to' be the case, as I have seen these birds collecting sticks, 
etc., as early as the first week in March. The Blue Jay and also the 
“ Scrub Jay ” (Aphelocoma Jloridana), are in bad repute among the 
Florida farmers, from the fact that they (particularly the “ Scrub Jay ”) 
suck the eggs of chickens. 

Audubon writing of the Blue Jay says: 


* The Florida Blue Jay. a local race technically styled Cyanocitta cristata flnrincola. is smaller and has 
less white on tips of secondary and tail feathers than C. cristata. 






200 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


“ It robs every nest it can find, sucks the eggs like the crow, or tears 
to pieces and devours the young birds. A friend once wounded a 
Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), and marked the direction which it followed, 
but had not proceeded two hundred* yards in pursuit, when he heard 
something fluttering in the bushes, and found his bird belabored by two 
blue jays who were picking out its eyes. The same person once put a 
flying squirrel into the cage of one of these birds, merely to preserve it 
for one night; but on looking into the cage about eleven o’clock next 
day he found the mammal partly eaten. A Blue Jay at Charleston de¬ 
stroyed all the birds of an aviary. One after another had been killed, 
and the rats were supposed to have been the culprits, but no crevice 
could be seen large enough to admit one. Then the mice were accused, 
and war was waged against them, but still the birds continued to be 
kill ed ; first the smaller, then the larger, until at length the Key west 
Pigeons; when it was discovered that a Jay which had been raised in 
the aviary was the depredator. He was taken out and placed in a cage, 
with a quantity of corn, flour and several small birds which he had just 
killed. The birds he soon devoured, but the flour he would not conde¬ 
scend to eat, and refusing every other kind of food, soon died. In the 
north it is fond of ripe chestnuts, and in visiting the trees is sure to 
select the choicest. When these fail it attacks the beech nuts, acorns, 
peas, apples and green com. In Louisiana they are so abundant as to 
prove a nuisance to the farmers, picking the newly-planted com, the 
peas and the sweet potatoes, attacking every fruit tree, and even de¬ 
stroying the eggs of pigeons and domestic fowls. The planters are in 
the habit of occasionally soaking some corn in a solution of arsenic, and 
scattering the seeds over the ground, in consequence of which many 
Jays are found dead about the fields and gardens.” 

In reference to the food of this species, Mr. E. A. Samuels * writes as 
follows: “ Its food is more varied than that of almost any other bird 

that we have. In winter the berries of the cedar, barberry or black¬ 
thorn, with the few eggs or cocoons of insects that it is able to find, 
constitute its chief sustenance. In early spring the opening buds of 
shrubs, caterpillars and other insects, afford it a meagre diet. Later in 
the spring, and through the greater part of summer, the eggs and young 
of the smaller birds constitute its chief food, varied by a few insects and 
early berries. Later in the summer, and in early autumn, small fruits, 
grains, and a few insects afford it a bountiful provender; and later in 
the autumn when the frosts have burst open the burs of chestnuts and 
beechnuts and exposed the brown ripe fruit to view, these form a palat¬ 
able and acceptable food, and a large share of these delicious nuts fall 
to the portion of these busy and garrulous birds.” 

The food materials of Jays which I have examined are given in the 
following table: 


* Our Northern and Eastern Birds, p. 365. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


201 


NO. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

October. 1880, . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Acorns. 

2 

October, 1880. . . . 

Chester county. Pa.. . . 

Acorns. 

3 

October, 1880. . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Acorns. 

4 

October, 1880, . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Acorns. 

5 

October, 1880, . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Acorns. 

G 

May 10. 1880. . . . 

New Castle, Delaware, . . . 

Beetles and sand. 

7 

May 18. 1880, . . . 

New Castle. Delaware, . . . 

Corn. 

8 

June 11, 1880, . . . 

New Castle, Delaware. . . . 

Beetles and berries. 

9 

Sept. 28. 1S82. . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Indian corn and beetles. 

10 

Sept. 21. 1882, . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Indian corn and acorns. 

11 

Sept. 21, 1882, . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Indian corn and acorns. 

12 

May 25. 1883, . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Vegetable matter, not determined. 

13 

May 25, 1883, . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Black colored beetles and sand. 

14 

May 25, 1883. . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Green colored beetles. 

15 

May 25. 1883. . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

Black colored beetles, sand and small shells. 

1G 

May 25. 1883. . . . 

Chester county, Pa., .... 

*' .June bugs ” and few other insects. 

17 

May 25. 1883, . . . 

Chester county. Pa., .... 

‘‘ June bugs” and few other insects. 

18 

May 25. 1883 . . . 

Chester county. Pa. 

“June bugs.” 

19 

May 25, 1883. . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

“June bugs.” 

20 

May 25. 1883, . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

* ‘June bugs.” 

21 

May 12, 1883, . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

22 

May 12, 1883. . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles. 

23 

May 8. 1883, . . . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Chiefly Indian corn; few beetles. 


Genus PERISORETJS Bonaparte. 


Perisoreus canadensis (Linn.). 


Canada Jay. 


Description. 


“Gray, whitening on head, neck and breast; a dark cap on hind head and nape, 
separated by a gray cervical collar from the ashy-plumbeous back; wings and tail 
plumbeous, the feathers obscurely tipped with whitish. Bill and feet black ; young 
much darker, sooty or smoky brown. * * * Length 10 inches ; extent about 16; 
wing 5.25 to 5.75 ; tail rather more graduated ; tarsus 1.33 ; bill under 1, shaped like a 
titmouse’s.”— Coues. 

Habitat .—Northern New England and New York, Michigan and Canada, north¬ 
ward to Arctic America. 

The Canada Jay—a very rare and irregular straggler in winter from 
the north—I have never met with in this state. Dr. A. C. Treichler, of 
Elizabethtown, has one in his collection which was captured in Lancas¬ 
ter county, February, 1889. This is the only specimen, so far as I can 
learn, that has been taken in Pennsylvania during the last twenty-five 
years. 


Subfamily CORVINE. Crows. 


Genus CORVUS Linnasus. 

Corvus corax ^principalis Ridgw. 

Northern Raven. 

Description. 

Size large; entire plumage glossy black with purplish reflections ; feathers of 
throat lengthened, disconnected and pointed ; bill large and like feet black ; length 
about 2 feet; extent 4 feet or more. * 

* Not having any specimens of Pennsylvania Ravens in my possession. I am unable to state positively 
whether the bird found here is the form known as sinuatus , which occurs as a common resident in the 
regions west of the Mississippi, or the new sub—species pv'i'iicip&lis. In the present state of uncertainty I 
deem it best to consider our bird as the northern form. 













































202 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


“ Habitat .—Northern North America, from Greenland to Alaska, south to British 

7 t 

Columbia, Canada, New Brunswick, etc.”— Ridyway. 

Of all the numerous birds found in Pennsylvania the Haven seems to 
be one of the most wily and difficult to secure. Although not abundant 
anywhere in this commonwealth, these birds are probably more fre¬ 
quently met with in portions of Sullivan, Elk, Centre, Cameron, Lycom¬ 
ing, Clinton and Clearfield counties than elsewhere. ‘The nest of this 
bird, a bulky structure of sticks, bark, moss, etc., is said to be built in 
March or April, and is placed in trees or sometimes on rocky ledges. 
The following- list and notes from different observers will give a very 
clear idea of the localities in our state where the Haven occurs regularly : 


County. 

Observers. 

Remarks. 

Allegheny. . . 

T. Z. Hazzard. 

Straggler. 

Bradford, . . . 

.7. L. Camp. 

Resident in mountains; scarce. 

Do. ... 

J. W. Kitcham. 

Resident; breeds sparingly. 

Berks. 

D. F. Keller. 

Straggler: very rare. 

Columbia, . . . 

Dr. A. B. McCrea. 

Resident.* 

Clinton. 

Dr. W. Van Fleet. 

Resident; breeds regularly. 

Clearfield. . . 

Dr. W. Van Fleet. 

Resident; breeds regularly. 

Cameron, . . . 

M. M. Larrabee. 

Resident; regular breeder. 

Do. ... 

Sylvester Belden. 

Resident; regular breeder. 

Centre. 

J. Preston Thomas. 

Resident; tolerably common In mountains 

Elk,. 

Chas. H. Eldon. 

Resident. 

Erie. 

Geo. B. Sennett,. 

Straggler. 

Do. 

John W. Detwiller, M. D., 

Saw one at Lake Erie in winter. 

Franklin, . . . 

H. B. Craig. 

A few reside in mountainous regions. 

Lycoming, . . . 

August Kock. 

Resident. 

Do. ... 

Chas. H. Eldon. 

Resident.! 

Lackawanna, . 

G. P. Friant,. 

A few seen in recent years; probably resident. 

Potter, .... 

B. H. Warren. 

Resident; have seen them in summer and winter. 

Sullivan. . . . 

Otto Behr,. 

Resident: regular breeder. 

Somerset, . . . 

Dr. H. D. Moore. 

Very rare; probably breeds. 

Susquehanna, . 

Geo. B. Perry, .. 

Resident; breeds regularly. 

Venango, . . . 

J. R. Robeitson. 

Rare visitor. 

Westmoreland, 

Chas. H. Townsend. 

Old residents report a ‘ ‘ Crow ” of very large size, as 
once common. It was doubtless the Raven. 

York. 

Hon. G. C. Brown. 

Rare visitor; probably breeds. 


Mr. J. H. Ferguson, of Renovo, Clinton county, says Ravens are to be found about 
nine miles south of Renovo, in the mountains. When deer are killed and eviscerated 
these birds come about to feed on the refuse matter; generally seen in pairs, but 
sometimes several are together. It is a common custom for this bird to visit deserted 
camps ; soon as lumbermen or hunters have left their camps a Raven, or several of 
them, will be seen in the tops of tall trees, and shortly they will be observed near the 
smoldering embers of the dying fire, picking up the fragments of food. 


Corvus americanus Aud. 

American Crow. 

Description (Plate 57). 

Bill, legs and feet black ; iris brown ; plumage glossy black with violet reflec¬ 
tions, brightest on wing-coverts, tail and back ; top of head frequently without me¬ 
tallic tint —young usually dull black. The male is larger than the female, and meas¬ 
ures about 19 inches in length and 38 inches in extent. 

Habitat .—North America from the Fur countries to Mexico. 

* I have made diligent inquiry in relation to the Raven in the mountains of this and the adjoining county 
of Sullivan where they are comparatively common; they can be heard * * croaking " at almost any time, 
but. owing to their shy and retiring habits, they are hard to get.— McCrea. 

t Ravens breed regularly on high mountain ridges, in tops of tallest pine trees, in Elk county, on Dent's 
run, a branch of Benezett creek, which flows into the Susquehanna at Driftwood. In the last seven 
years 1 have received seven or eight Ravens from different parts ot Centre. Elk and Lycoming counties.— 
Eldon. 

























































BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


203 


The crow, readily recognized by its large size and glossy black plum¬ 
age, is a common resident of Pennsylvania during all months of the 
year. This species ranges throughout different portions of North 
America, but is found chiefly in the eastern United States. In this lo¬ 
cality the crow commences nest-building in the latter part of April; 
both sexes engage in this w ork which is completed in from three to five 
days. The nest, a very bulky structure, measuring about 20 inches in 
diameter and 10 inches in depth, is made up of sticks, twigs, bark, leaves, 
etc. It is built usually in an oak, chestnut or other tree, in an unfre¬ 
quented woods; nests are sometimes placed in low trees or bushes in 
cedar thickets. The eggs vary greatly in size and color; four to six in 
number; length about 1.65 by 1.19 inches in width; light-greenish, 
spotted brown and black with purplish tints. The note of this well- 
known bird is a loud harsh caw. During the early spring, fall and win¬ 
ter months this species is gregarious; flocks numbering from fifty to 
several hundred individuals are frequently observed scattered over the 
fields, meadow T s, along the highways, or in the w r oods searching for food. 
At night these birds resort in great numbers to favorite roosting-places, 
such as pine forests or cedar thickets. In the late spring and summer, 
crow r s are particularly destructive to young poultry, the eggs and young of 
small birds, and frequently nests of the domestic fowls, especially guineas 
and turkeys that often winder to a considerable distance from the farm 
house to lay, are also pillaged. These birds, as every farmer is well 
aware, commit more or less mischief in the cornfields. 

Although the crow will rob the nest of any small bird which he can 
| get at, the nests of the Robin, Wood Thrush, Catbird and Dove are the 
ones I have usually seen disturbed. The injury which the crow occa¬ 
sions by his egg-sucking, bird-devouring habit is, it is affirmed by emi¬ 
nent authorities, more than compensated for by the large numbers of 
noxious insects and mammals which he devours. Twelve of these birds 
taken in winter and examined by me had in their stomachs only vegeta¬ 
ble materials, viz: Corn, oats, acorns, small seeds and berries. From 
such limited investigations I am unable to say whether the crow is a 
friend or an enemy to the farmer. 

The following extract is taken from Prof. W. B. Barrow’s report: * 

Summary of Evidence From all Sources. 

It appears, therefore, from a careful consideration of all testimony, published and 
unpublished, that— 

I. Crows seriously damage the corn crop, and injure other grain crops usually to 
a less extent 

II. They damage other farm crops to some extent, frequently doing much mis¬ 
chief. 

III. They are very destructive to the eggs and young of domestic fowls. 

IV. They do incalculable damage to the eggs and young of native birds. 


* Annual report of the U. S. Dept, of Agri.. 1888. Food of Crows, by Walter B. Barrows. S. B.. Assis-' 
slstant Ornithologist. 







204 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


V. They do much harm by the distribution of seeds of poison ivy, poison sumach, 
and perhaps other noxious plants. 

VI. They do much harm by the destruction of beneficial insects. 

On the other hand— 

VII. They do much good by the destruction of injurious insects. 

VIII. They are largely beneficial through their destruction of mice and other 
rodents. 

IX. They are valuable occasionally as scavengers. 

The careful examination of large numbers of stomachs, and the critical study of 
the insect food of the crow, may change materially the present aspect of the ques¬ 
tion ; but so far as the facts at present known enable a judgment to be formed, the 
harm which crows do appears to far outweigh the good. 


Corvus ossifragus Wilson. 


Fish Crow. 


Description. 


Smaller than C. americanus. Glossy black with green and violet reflections ; the 
gloss of head, neck and belly greenish ; a small space at base of lower mandible, on 
each side bare ? ; bill and feet black ; iris brown. Length 14 to 16 inches ; extent 
about 32 inches. 

Habitat .—Atlantic coast, from Long Island to Florida. 

The Fish Crow is a common and abundant resident, during’ all seasons, 
about the maritime districts of most and probably all of the southern 
states. According to Audubon they migrate northward in April and 
ascend the Delaware river in Pennsylvania, nearly to its source, but re¬ 
turn to the south at the approach of cold weather. This bird is also 
found along the Susquehanna from Lancaster southward in the summer. 
Mr. J. Hoopes Matlack informs me that some few years ago he found 
the nest and eggs of this bird along the Brandywine creek, some two or 
three miles from the borough of West Chester. Mr. Gentry writing in 
1877, says he has observed it during the past five or six years nesting 
along the water courses in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. This bird, 
like the preceding species, builds in trees. The nests and eggs of the 
Fish Crow, although smaller, cannot with absolute certainty be distin¬ 
guished from those of the American Crow. The voice of the Fish Crow, 
according to Wilson, is very different from that of the Common Crow, 
being more hoarse and gutteral, uttered as if something had lodged in 
the throat. The common note of this bird, Audubon says, resembles the 
syllables ha, ha , hae, frequently repeated. In referring to the food of 
this species, Audubon writes substantially as follows: While searching 
for food, these birds hover at a moderate height over the water; but 
when they rise in the air, to amuse themselves, they often reach a great 
elevation. Like the Common Crow, the Fish Crow robs other birds of 
their eggs and young. They also prey upon the fiddler-crab, which 
they pursue and dig out of the muddy burrows into which they retire at 
the approach of danger. Small fry are easily secured with their claws 
as they fly close over the water’s surface, from which they also pick up 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


205 


any sort of garbage suited to tlieir appetite ; sometimes they pursue and 
attack the small terns and gulls, to force them to disgorge the small fish 
that they have captured. They are able to capture live fish with con¬ 
siderable dexterity, but cannot feed on the wing. During the winter and 
spring, the Fish Crows are very fond of feeding on many kinds of ber¬ 
ries. As spring advances, and the early fruits ripen, the Fish Crows be¬ 
come fond of the mulberry, and select the choicest of the ripe figs, more 
especially when they are feeding their young. A dozen are often seen 
at a time, searching for the tree which has the best figs, and so trouble¬ 
some do they become in the immediate vicinity of Charleston, that it is 
found necessary to station a man near a fig tree with a gun. They also 
eat pears, as well as various kinds of huckleberries. 


Family ICTERHL®. Blackbirds, Orioles, Etc. 

Niue species and one race of this family are found in Pennsylvania. With the ex¬ 
ception of the Yellow-headed Blackbird, which occurs sometimes, it is said, in the 
western part of the state, straggling here from western North America, all of these 
birds are common ; some reside with us during all months of the year ; the Rusty 
Blackbird retires considerably north of this latitude to breed, but all the others rear 
their young within our limits. In the Cowbird and Bobolink the bill is short, stout 
and very similar to that of a sparrow’s, but this organ in other birds of this family is 
rather long and slender. In the neighborhood of Lake Erie the Redwing is known 
to gunners as Reed-bird, and I have heard farmers who reside in the vicinity of 
Conneaut lake in Crawford county, and also others living about Lake Erie, say that 
these “Reed-birds” commit serious depredations in their cornfields in the latter 
part of summer and in the early fall. 


Genus DOLICHONYX Swainson. 

Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.) 

Bobolink ; Reed-bird. 

Description (Plate 26 male and female in spring). 

Bill short, stout, conical and much shorter than head ; tail feathers sharp-pointed 
and stiff, quite like a woodpecker’s; claws all very large; middle toe very long, 
measuring with claw 1.25 inches ; bill dark, lighter at base of lower mandible ; legs 
and feet (freshly killed specimens) brownish-yellow ; iris brown. General color of 
male in spring and during breeding season (June and July) black; the nape 
brownish-cream color; a patch on the side ot the breast, the scapulars and rump 
white, shading into light ash on the upper tail-coverts and the back below the inter¬ 
scapular region. In autumn similar to the female. In the early autumn males are 
often seen with black feathers (sometimes though seldom in patches) on the breast. 

Female , yellowish beneath; two stripes on the top of the head, and the upper 
parts throughout, except the back of the neck and rump, and including all the wing 
feathers generally, dark-brown, all edged with brownish-yellow; which becomes 
whiter nearer the tips of the quills ; the sides sparsely streaked with dark-brown, 
and a similar stripe behind the eye ; there is a superciliary and a median band of 
yellow on the head. 





206 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Length of male about 7.25 inches ; extent about 12.25 inches. Female averages a 
little smaller. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America to the great plains ; north to southern Canada ; 
south in winter to the West Indies and South America. Breeds from the Middle 
States northward, and winters south of the United States. 

Bobolinks are known by a variety of common names. The terms 
“Bobolink” and “Meadow Wink” are applied in imitation of its voice; 
the appellation “ Skunk-blackbird,” notes, as Dr. Coues remarks, the 
resemblance in color to the obnoxious quadruped. When the Bobolink 
has shed his showy dress of black, white and yellow, he frequents chiefly 
the reedy marshes of tide-rivers, and is known as “ Beed-bird;” in the 
Carolinas, Georgia and elsewhere in the south, they congregate in great 
numbers on the rice-fields, where they are called “Bice-birds.” In the 
West Indies these birds, from their excessive fatness/, are known as 
“Butterbirds.” “The name ‘Ortolan,’ applied by some gunners and 
restaurateurs to this bird, as well as to the Carolina Bail ( Porzana 
Carolina) is in either case a strange misnomer, the Ortolan being a 
fringilline bird of Europe, Emberiza hortulana, Linn.”— Coues. Notwith¬ 
standing the fact that the Beed-bird is much larger than the English 
Sparrow, many game dealers are in the habit of “bunching” the two 
species and disposing of them as “Beed-birds.” The Beed-bird, how T - 
ever, can easily be recognized by the pointed tail feathers, long legs and 
claws; the tail feathers of the sparrow are not pointed, and the legs and 
claws are short. Even when both birds are picked and their legs and 
heads cut off, the Beed-bird can mostly be distinguished by its plump, 
yellow and oily body? the carcass of a fat sparrow is never uniformly 
yellow, but is dark colored, with narrow streaks of yellow. The Bobo¬ 
links arrive in Pennsylvania, in flocks of from eight to twenty-five in¬ 
dividuals, from May 5th to 20tli. The males generally make their ap¬ 
pearance about the fields, meadows and orchards several days in advance 
of the females; they also appear to proceed much more leisurely on 
their vernal migrations, than the females. Both sexes migrate chiefly 
at night when their “ mellow metallic chink ” may be heard both in 
spring and fall. The song of the Bobolink is a peculiar, rapid, jingling,, 
indescribable medley of sounds, started first by one bird, quickly fol¬ 
lowed by another and another, until the whole flock are engaged, when, 
suddenly, without any apparent reason, they all, at the same instant, stop 
their vocal concert. When the male assumes the livery of the female he 
appears to lose his vocal powers, and is only heard to utter a sharp 
clinking note like that of the female. These birds, according to my 
experience, occur in southeastern Pennsylvania mainly as passing visi¬ 
tants * during the spring and fall when they are common. The nests 

* Nests of this species, it is said, have on one or two occasions been found in Chester county, and 
young unable to fly have once been taken in Delaware county, Pa. From numerous reports received it 
appears that the Bobolink breeds more or less regularly in nearly all parts of the state, but as a summer 
bird it is far more numerous in counties of the western and northern parts of the state than elsewhere. 
The species is common in summer in parts of Erie, Crawford, Warren. Mercer, Bradford and Susque 
lianna counties. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


207 


and eggs are described by Dr. Coues as follows: “ The Bobolink makes 
a rude and flimsy nest of dried grass on the ground, and lays four or 
five eggs, 0.85 long by about 0.63 broad, dull bluish-white, sometimes 
brownish-white, spotted and blotched with dark chocolate or blackish- 
brown surface marks, and others of paler hue in the shell. The nests 
are cunningly hidden, and often further screened from threatened ob¬ 
servation by ingenious devices of the parents .”—(From Birds of North- 
j west.) The food of these birds, during their spring sojourn in Pennsyl¬ 
vania is composed chiefly of different kinds of terrestrial insects, also 
I the seeds of various weeds, grasses, etc. I have examined the stomach 
I contents of twenty-seven Bobolinks (captured in Chester county, Pa., 
May, 1879, ’80, ’82 and ’83), and found that eighteen had fed exclusively 
on beetles, larvae, ants and a few earth-worms; five, in addition to insects 
and larvae, showed small seeds, and particles of green vegetable materials, 
apparently leaves of plants; the four remaining birds revealed only 
> small black and yellow colored seeds. After the breeding season the 
Beed-birds (both sexes), about the middle of August, again make their 
appearance in our meadows and grain fields. At this time, although 
I various forms of insects are abundant, they subsist almost entirely on a 
| vegetable diet. They visit the cornfields, and, in company with the 
I English Sparrow, prey to a more or less extent on the corn; like the 
sparrow they tear open the tops of the husk and eat the milky grain. 

! Fields of Hungarian grass are resorted to and the seed eagerly devoured. 

The different seeds of weeds and grasses which grow so luxuriantly in 
I the marshy swamps and meadows are likewise fed upon with avidity. 

The following interesting remarks, relative to the Bice-birds, are taken 
from the annual report of the Agricultural Department, for the year 
1886, by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, ornithologist, United States Department 
of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.: 

“ One of the most important industries of the southern states, the cul- 
j tivation of rice, is crippled and made precarious by the bi-annual attacks 
I of birds. Many kinds of birds feed upon rice, but the bird which does 
the most injury than all the rest is the Bobolink ( Dolichonyx oryzivorus). 
* * * The name of “ Bice-bird ” is familiar to most persons in the 

north, but the magnitude of its depredations is hardly known outside 
j of the narrow belt of rice fields along the coasts of a few of the southern 
! states. Innumerable hosts of these birds visit the fields at the time of 
j planting in spring, devouring the seed-grain before the fields are 
flooded, and again at harvest-time in the fall, when, if maturing grain is 
| ‘in the milk,’they feed upon it to a ruinous extent. To prevent total 
i destruction of the crop during the periods of bird invasion thousands 
| of men and boys, called ‘bird-minders,’ are employed, hundreds of thou¬ 
sands of pounds of gunpowder are burned, and millions Of birds are 
killed. Still the number of birds invading the rice fields each year 





208 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


seems in no way diminished, and the aggregate annual loss they occa¬ 
sion is about $2,000,000.” 

Extracts from a letter from Capt. William Miles Hazzard , of Annandale , 
S. C., one of the largest rice-groivers in the state . 

“ The Bobolinks make their appearance here during the latter part of 
April. At that season their plumage is white and black, and they sing 
merrily when at rest. Their flight is always at night. In the evening 
there are none. In the morning their appearance is heralded by the 
popping of whips and firing of musketry by the bird-minders in their 
efforts to keep the birds from pulling up the young rice. This warfare 
is kept up incessantly until about the 25th of May, when they suddenly 
disappear at night. Their next appearance is in a dark-yellow plumage, 
as the Bice-bird. There is no song at this time, but instead a chirp, which 
means ruin to any rice found in milk. My plantation record will shpw 
that for the past ten years, except when prevented by stormy south or 
southwest winds, the Bice-birds have come punctually on the night of 
the 21st of August, apparently coming from seaward. All night their 
.chirp can be heard passing over our summer homes on South Island, 
which island is situated six miles to the east of our rice plantations, in 
full view of the ocean. Curious to say, we have never seen this flight 
during the day. During the nights of August 21, 22, 23 and 24, millions 
of these birds make their appearance and settle in the rice fields. From 
the 21st of August to the 25th of September our every effort is to save 
the crop. Men, boys and women are posted with guns and ammunition 
to every four or five acres, and shoot daily an average of about one quart 
of powder to the gun. This firing commences at first dawn of day and 
is kept up until sunset. After all this expense and trouble our loss of 
rice per acre seldom falls under five bushels, and if from any cause there 
is a check to the crop during the growth, which prevents the grain from 
being hard, but in milky condition, the destruction of such fields is com¬ 
plete, it not paying to cut and bring the rice out of the field. We have 
tried every plan to keep these pests off our crops at less expense and 
manual labor than we now incur, but have been unsuccessful. Our pres¬ 
ent mode is expensive, imperfect and thoroughly imsatisfactory, yet it 
is the best we can do. I consider these birds as destructive to rice as 
the caterpillar is to cotton, with this difference, that these Bice-birds 
never fail to come. If the government could devise some means to aid 
us in keeping off these birds it would render us great assistance. The 
loss by birds and the expense of minding them off in order to make 
anything, renders the cultivation of rice a dangerous speculation. Dur¬ 
ing the bird season we employ about one hundred bird-minders, who 
shoot from three to five kegs of powder daily, of twenty-five pounds 
each; add to this shot and caps, and you will have some idea what these 
birds cost one planter.” 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


209 


Genus MOLOTHHUS Swainson. 

Molothrus ater (Bodd.). 

Cowbird; Cow Bunting:; Cow Blackbird. 

Description ( Plate 57). 

Bill short, stout, about two-thirds as long as head ; tail nearly even or very slightly 
rounded ; bill and feet black ; iris brown. 

Male with the head, neck and anterior half of breast deep brown, with slight pur¬ 
plish gloss ; rest of body lustrous black, with a violet-purple gloss, next to the 
brown, of steel-blue on the back, and of green elsewhere. 

Female. —Plain grayish-brown, lighter on the under parts. 

Young. —Dull dusky-brown above, feathers edged with grayish, lower parts light 
brownish-gray more or less streaked or spotted with darker markings. In the late 
summer and early autumn the young male can often be distinguished by the con¬ 
spicuous black patches on the body. The female is smaller than the male. An 
adult male measures about 8 inches in length and 13£ inches in extent. 

Habitat. —United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, north into southern 
British America, south, in winter, into Mexico. 

This well-known bird is a common summer resident in Pennsylvania. 
It arrives here late in March or early in April, and migrates southward 
about the middle of October. These polygamous birds, at all times, are 
gregarious. In the autumn these birds, frequently in company with the 
Crow Blackbirds and robins, collect in large flocks in thickets, where 
they roost during the night. When “ coming in ” to these roosting 
places the flocks of Cowbirds do not scatter and alight in the surround¬ 
ing trees and bushes, as the Crow Blackbirds are accustomed to do, but 
they fly in a compact body directly to the thick bushy covert, where 
they remain, and unless disturbed are seldom heard to utter then harsh, 
rattling chuckle. The Cowbird builds no nest, nor does she attempt to 
rear her young; when desirous of laying, she quietly slips away from 
her companions, and finding a nest deposits her egg, and flies off to 
join her comrades feeding in the fields, or, perhaps, assembled in a tree- 
top. Although the Cowbird generally selects the nests of small birds, 
she never gains access to the same by force, but pays her visit when the 
owners are absent. Sometimes birds whose homes have been invaded 
by these feathered parasites abandon their nests, mostly, however (par¬ 
ticularly if one or more of their own eggs have been deposited), they 
submit to the imposition and rear the young Cowbirds. The Yellow 
Warbler, occasionally, will build a new nest above that in which the un¬ 
welcome egg is deposited. I have twice found broken eggs of Cowbirds 
on the ground near nests of the Yellow-breasted Chat, and on three oc¬ 
casions have discovered the shattered remains of these eggs directly be¬ 
neath the pendant nests of Baltimore Orioles. It may be that these two 
species, sometimes at least, toss out the alien eggs. Wliile it is mostly 
observed that the Cowbird lays in the nests of birds much smaller than 
14 Birds. 





210 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


herself, she also, at times, drops eggs in nests of larger species. Dr. 
Coues mentions among the Cowbird’s larger foster-parents, the Wood 
Thrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, Kingbird and Towhee; on one occa¬ 
sion I saw two eggs in the nest of a Cardinal, and have twice 
seen eggs in nests of Wood Thrushes. Both nests of the species 
last named were, however, abandoned. From the fact that one Cow- 
bird’s egg is usually seen in a nest, I judge that this bird only deposits 
a single egg in a nest. I, of course, am well aware that sometimes two, 
three or more Cowbird eggs may be discovered in a single nest, yet this 
is no evidence that these eggs were deposited by one bird. The num¬ 
ber of eggs which this bird lays is unknown; they are white, speckled 
or blotched with brown; vary greatly in size, but average, probably, 
about .88 in length and .65 in width. In addition to the species pre¬ 
viously named, I have found Cowbirds’ eggs or young in the charge of 
the following-named birds: Bed and White-Eyed Yireos, Ovenbird, 
Maryland Yellow-throat, Scarlet Tanager, Song and Chipping Sparrows, 
Indigobird, Worm-eating Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher and Baltimore 
Oriole. This species frequents ploughed fields, woods and pasture 
grounds, mingles freely among cattle and may often be observed perched 
on their backs. The food of these birds consists of seeds, grains, ber¬ 
ries and insects. Although Cowbirds subsist to a small extent on wheat 
and rye, they never, I think, like the English Sparrow, attack these 
cereals when growing. The seeds of clover, timothy, fox-tailed grass, 
bitter-weed, etc., are included in their bill of fare ; blackberries, huckle¬ 
berries, cedarberries, wild cherries and the summer grape (Vitis cestivalis , 
Mz.) are eaten. They subsist to a very great extent, however, on insects; 
large numbers of grasshoppers, beetles,grubs and “worms” are eagerly 
devoured. 


Genus AGELAIUS Vieillot. 

Agelaius phoeniceus (Linn.). 

Red-winged Blackbird ; Swamp Blackbird. 

Description (Plate 27). 

Bill, legs and feet (dried specimens) black ; iris brown ; male larger than female. 

Adult male .—Uniform lustrous black ; shoulders and lesser wing-coverts scarlet, 
bordered with brownish-yellow. 

Adult female .—Above dusky-brown, streaked with lighter and darker shades; 
below whitish streaked with brown ; throat, chin, edge of wing, tinged with pink or 
yellowish, but mostly pink, in the spring and summer at least. The female differs 
greatly in appearance ; the prevailing color above is brownish-black, all the leathers 
margined with reddish-brown ; some of those on the back with brownish-yellow, 
which, on the median and greater wing-coverts, form two bands ; the under parts 
are dull-whitish, each feather broadly streaked centrally with dark-brown ; the chin 
and throat yellowish, and but little streaked ; there is a distinct whitish superciliary 
streak along side the head, tinged anteriorly with brownish-yellow, and another less 
distinct in the median line of the crown. The young male, at first very similar to 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


211 


the female, may soon be recognized by the black feathers appearing singly or in 
patches ; immature males exhibit every possible condition of coloration between that 
of the old female and of the adult male. 

Male measures about 9| inches in length and 15.25 inches in extent. 

Habitat .—North America in general, from Great Slave Lake south to Costa P,ica. 

The Swamp or Red-winged Blackbird, as this well-known species is 
usually designated, is a common summer resident in Pennsylvania. 

■ Arrives in small liocks about March 20 ; males come a few days in ad¬ 
vance of females; both sexes in company leave during the latter part of 
i September. These birds, mainly terrestial when feeding, frequent prin- 
j cipally meadows, fields and swamps. Nests, built early in May and also 
in July (two broods being sometimes raised in this locality), are placed 
in tussocks of grass or in low bushes, preferably along the borders of 
streams or ponds. Nest, bulky, composed chiefly of coarse grasses, 
liqed with finer grass ; those built on bushes are mostly very compact, 
others are generally loose and carelessly constructed. The eggs, four 
to six, a little less than an inch long, and not quite three-fourths of an 
inch broad, are light-bluish, spotted, blotched and lined with black and 
purplish-brown. Sometimes several females, with only one male will be 
found breeding in a swamp or field, at other times the male appears to 
devote his exclusive attention to one female. A dozen or more nests 
may frequently be seen in close proximity to each other, and their 
owners always appear on friendly terms; when these nesting-places are 
approached the Red-wings hover over your head and utter sharp piteous 
cries. 

Although Swamp Blackbirds sometimes visit cornfields during the 
planting season, and also again when the corn is in the milky state, the 
amount of grain which they take or injure is so small that the farmer is 
seldom heard to utter a complaint against them. 

The following twenty odd records will suffice to show the general 
! nature of the food during the months of March, April and May: 


NO. 

Date. 

1 

March 

8, 1880, 

2 

March 18, 1882. 

3 

March 18. 1882, 

4 

March 18, 1882. 

5 

March 18. 1882, 

6 

March 18. 1882. 

7 

March 31, 1883, 

8 

March 31. 1883, 

9 

April 

12, 1883. 

10 

April 

14. 1883, 

11 

April 

14. 1883, 

12 

April 

14, 1883, 

13 

April 

14, 1883, 

14 

May 

3, 1880, 

15 

May 

20, 1883. 

16 

May 

20. 1883, 

17 

May 

20. 1883, 

18 

May 

20. 1883, 

19 

May 

20/1883, 

20 

May 

20. 1883, 

21 

May 

28. 1883, 

22 

May 

28. 1883, 

23 

May 

23. 1883, 

24 

May 

23. 1883, 

25 

May 

3. 1884, 


Locality. 


Chester county. Pa., 
Chester county. Pa., 
Chester county, Pa.. 
Chester county. Pa., 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county. Pa., 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county, Pa., 
Chester county, Pa., 
Chester county. Pa., 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county. Pa., 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county, Pa., 
Chester county. Pa., 
Chester county, Pa., 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county, Pa., 
Chester county. Pa., 
Chester county. Pa.. 
Chester county. Pa., 


Food-Materials. 


Beetles. 

Beetles. 

Small seeds. [ter. 

Beetles and small amount of undetermined vegetable mat- 
Grubs and few seeds. 

Beetles and particles of Indian corn. 

Small black-colored seeds. 

Grass seeds. 

Small seeds and insects. 

Small seeds and beetles. 

Small seeds and beetles. 

Beetles chiefly ; some few small seeds. [matter. 

Beetles chiefly and small amount undetermined vegetable 
Insects, with apparently few blades of grass (?). 

Beetles and grubs. 

Corn “cutworms.” 

Beetles and other insects. 

Beetles and other insects. 

Beetles and ‘ * cut worms. ’’ 

Brown-colored seeds. 

Cut worms and beetles. 

Black-colored seeds. 

Beetles and few small seeds. 

Chiefly *‘ cut worms” and traces of beetles. 
Purple-colored lies. 
























212 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Tlie Bed-wing-, like the Crow Blackbird, destroys large numbers of 
“ cut-worms.” I have taken from the stomach of a single Swamp Black¬ 
bird as many as twenty-eight “ cut-worms.” In addition to the insects, 
etc., mentioned above, these birds also, during their residence with 
us, feed on earth-worms, grasshoppers, crickets, plant-lice and various 
larvae, so destructive at times in the field and garden. During the sum¬ 
mer season, fruits of the blackberry, raspberry, wild strawberry, and 
wild cherry are eaten to a more or less extent. The young, while under 
parental care, are fed exclusively on an insect diet. 

Dr. Coues, writing of this species, says: “ From its general disper¬ 

sion in low or wet thickets or fields, swamps and marshes, the blackbird 
collects in August and September in immense flocks, thronging the ex¬ 
tensive tracts of wild oats and other aquatic plants in marshes and along 
water-courses, also visiting and doing much damage to grain-fields. 
Thousands are destroyed by boys and pot-hunters, but the hosts scarcely 
diminish, and every known artifice fails to protect the crops from inva¬ 
sion of the dusky hordes. At other seasons the ‘ maize-thief ’ is innocu¬ 
ous, if not positively beneficial, as it destroys its share of insects.”— 
Key, p. 10L In the rice-growing states the Bed-winged Blackbird 
ranks next to the Beed-bird in its ravages on the rice fields. Theo. 
S. Wilkinson, Myrtlegrove plantation , lower coast, Louisiana, writes as 
follows in the annual report (1886), issued by Ornithologist Dr. C. Hart 
Merriam, U. S. Dept, of Agr., Washington, D. C.: “ The rice crop in 

Louisiana, from the time the rice is in the milk till harvest time and 
during harvesting, is much damaged by birds, principally the Bed¬ 
shouldered Blackbird. Shooting is the only remedy thus far resorted to 
which is at all effective, and it is only partially so. I have known rice 
crops to be destroyed to the extent of over 50 per cent., which is a loss 
of say $13 per acre. While this is an extreme case, a damage and ex¬ 
pense of from $5 to $10 per acre is very common. 

“ The average yield per acre is about 30 bushels, worth now (March 12, 
1886) about 80 cents per bushel.” 


Genus XANTHOCEPHALUS Bonaparte. 
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonap.). 

Yellow-headed Blackbird. 


Description. 

Bill conical and about twice as long as high ; wings longer than tail ; first primary- 
longest. 

Male. —General color black, including lores, and some feathers about eyes and 
lower bill ; rest of head, the neck and breast, also few feathers about vent yellow ; 
showy white patch on wing. The female is smaller, and dark brown ; top of head 
brown ; line over eye, throat and breast dull yellow ; no white wing patch. Length, 
male about 10^ ; extent about 16£; bill and legs (dried skin) blackish. 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


213 


Habitat. —Western North America, from Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas to the 
Pacific coast. Accidental in the Atlantic states (Mass., S. C., Penna., Fla.). 

I have never met with the Yellow-lieatlecl Blackbird in Pennsylvania, 
where it occurs only as an accidental visitor. 

“Dr. Jackson mentions that this species is occasionally seen along the 
Allegheny mountains, where a flock appeared in the autumn of 1857. 
Mr. John Krider shot a young male near Philadelphia.”— Turnbull. 

In a letter dated April G, 1890, Mr. H. C. Kirkpatrick, of Meadville, 
Crawford county, writes as follows concerning this bird : “ I had the 

good fortune to get a fine pair of Yellow-headed Blackbirds on March 
25, 1890, the first I have ever observed around here.” 

Genus STURNELLA Vieillot. 

Sturnella magna (Linn.). 

Meadowlark. 

Description {Plate 28). 

Thick and stout body ; legs large ; toes reach beyond the tail; hind toe long, its 
claw twice as long as middle one ; upper mandible (dried specimens) dark brown ; 
lower bill lighter at base, dark towards the point; tarsus and feet light brownish ; 
claws darker ; iris brown. Feathers of head stiffish, tipped with bristles. Throat, 
sides of breast, spot from nostrils to eye, edge of wing and abdomen bright yellow ; 
breast with a large black crescent, the horns of which go half-way up side of neck ; 
the feathers above dark brown ; exposed portions of wings and tail with transverse 
dark-brown bars, which on the middle tail feathers are confluent along the shaft; 
strong shade of bluish-ash on lesser wing-coverts ; several lateral tail feathers partly 
white ; sides, under tail-coverts and tibiae pale reddish-brown, streaked with black¬ 
ish ; a light stripe extends from base of upper mandible over crown ; and similar ones 
over along sides of top of head ; a faint black streak above the eye, and a broad one 
behind it. Sexes alike but female usually duller than male. Birds in the autumn 
have black breast spot more or less obscured with grayish or brownish. Southern 
birds are smaller than northern. Male, length about 10| inches ; extent about 16^ 
inches. The female is smaller. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States and southern Canada to the plains. 

The Meadowlark occurs in Pennsylvania during all months of the 
year, but in the spring, summer, and particularly in the autumn, is much 
more common than throughout the dreary months of winter. These 
birds are gregarious, at least they generally, when not engaged in breed¬ 
ing, are to be found in small fiocks, which wander about from place to 
place, and only discontinue this nomadic life when they engage in house¬ 
keeping. These well known rovers, rendered so conspicuous by their 
yellow shirts and black bosoms, collect usually in parties of from twelve 
to thirty each; in the fall, however, it is not uncommon to find a hun¬ 
dred, and sometimes more, of these birds scattered about a field or 
meadow. Meadowlarks--generally quite shy and difficult of approach- 
frequent at all seasons, principally grassy fields and meadows, but 
during the winter when deep snows cover their common feeding grounds, 







214 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


they often visit the barnyards, and, if not molested, will become rather 
tame. They also, at these periods of snow inundation, assemble in the 
public highways and glean a scanty subsistence from the droppings of 
horses. Although larks frequently alight on trees, they never, I think, 
are seen to feed in such places, their food is collected from the ground. 
In spring the flocks break up and these birds are observed singly or in 
pairs. Nest building, in this latitude, is begun late in April or early in 
May. Both sexes engage in constructing their nest, composed of dried 
grasses, placed on the ground, and most ingeniously concealed in a thick 
tuft of grass. The nests are built in meadows and grass fields, and fre¬ 
quently, though not always, rest in a concavity of the earth. 

The oval white eggs, usually five in number, are spotted with reddish- 
brown ; they vary considerably in size, but average about 1.16 inches 
long by .80 of an inch wide. Their food consists of various forms of in¬ 
sects, among which may be mentioned beetles, grasshoppers, larvfce, 
earth-worms, ants, etc. The lark, like the Bed-winged Blackbird, is 
fond of “ cut-worms,” he also subsists on the seeds of various grasses, 
weeds, etc., and, according to Mr. Gentry, they sometimes feed on wild 
cherries, wild strawberries and blackberries. Although this species will 
sometimes eat the grains of wheat, oats, rye or particles of com which 
they find scattered on the ground in fields or other places, they rarely 
disturb these cereals when growing, and never commit, in grain fields, 
any depredations at or about the season of harvest. Seventeen Meadow, 
larks, which I captured (March and April, 1885), in the open pine woods 
of Florida, were found to have fed only on insects, chiefly beetles. In 
December, 1886, I killed seven of these birds in Chester county, Pa., 
their stomachs were all gorged with grasshoppers. In the Carolinas, 
Audubon says, many planters agree in denouncing the lark as a depre¬ 
dator, “ alleging that it scratches up oat seeds, when sown early in spring, 
and is fond of plucking up the young corn, wheat, rye or rice.” 


Genus ICTERUS Brisson. 

Icterus spurius (Linn.). 

Orchard Oriole. 

Description (Plate 75). 

Bill slender, very acute and somewhat decurved ; bill and feet bluish-black ; iris 
brown. 

Adult male .—Head and neck all round, upper portion of breast and back, scap¬ 
ulars, tail and wings (except middle and lesser coverts, which are chestnut) deep 
black with slight gloss, particularly about head and throat; lateral tail feathers 
with white tips Rest of under parts, lower part of back, upper tail-coverts dark 
chestnut brown, deepest on breast; greater wing-coverts black, edged with white, 
forming a wing-bar: secondaries and sometimes primaries, edged with whitish or 
pale chestnut. 

Adult female .—Above yellowish olive, darkest on back, clearest on head, tail and 
rump ; below light olive-yellow ; wings dusky, with two bars ofwhite. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


215 


Young male .—In late summer and autumn, similar to female, though somewhat 
larger. I have never seen young males in spring without some black feathers on throat 
or loral space, or some chestnut-colored feathers, and I have taken young males when 
just able to fly with a few black feathers on chin and throat. 

Young male in spring .—Similar to female, but with face and throat black. From 
this last described condition males are found in all stages until the full adult plumage 
is assumed. The chestnut and black appears in streaks and patches. A young male 
(nine months old) now before me, is in full adult plumage, with the following excep¬ 
tions : Occiput and crown with a few dark yellowish feathers; feathers of lower hind 
neck and inter-scapular region deep black but edged with rusty ; a few yellow feath¬ 
ers mixed with the light chestnut of abdomen ; pities slightly tinged with yellowish 
which is generally on tips of chestnut feathers; edge of wing yellow and chestnut; 
middle coverts of one wing margined with greenish-yellow, on the other wing these 
feathers same as in adult; greater coverts (both wings) edged with pale chestnut. 
Length about 7 inches ; extent about 10 inches ; female trifle smaller. 

Habitat .—United States, west to the plains, south in winter in Panama. 

The Orchard Oriole, as its vernacular name would indicate, is a com¬ 
mon inhabitant of orchards, particulary apple orchards. 

Late in April or early in May, usually a few days after the shrill notes 
of the Baltimore Oriole have been heard, the subject of this present 
sketch arrives from his whiter retreats in tropical America. This species 
appears to arrive singly or in pairs, the males come at least two or three 
days before the females. The Orchard Oriole is of a rather shy disposi¬ 
tion, and although he is a common frequenter of the fruit and shade trees, 
both in town and country, he prefers to shelter his body in the thick¬ 
est portion of the leafy branches, from which his peculiar—somewhat 
harsh and rattling though not unmusical—notes are frequently heard 
when the vivacious little minstrel is entirely hidden from view. Some¬ 
times, however, he will, like the Indigo-bird or Brown Thrush, perch on 
the topmost limbs and sing with the greatest energy. As soon as the 
young are hatched his rapid and confused song ceases. The firm and 
somewhat long cup-shaped nest, constructed of fine green grass stems 
most beautifully interwoven and lined on the bottom with downy sub¬ 
stances, is usually placed among the upright twigs of an apple, pear or 
maple limb. When such a site is selected the nest is not pensile; on 
two occasions, however, I have found nests which were suspended from 
small bifurcated branches. The nests, before the eggs are hatched, have 
an odor similar to that of new hay. The eggs, mostly five, are 
bluish-white, indistinctly dotted with bluish-gray, and conspicuously 
spotted (sometimes lined) with brown and black. They measure about 
.86 by .58. In the late summer, preparatory to migrating south, these 
birds collect in flocks* of from fifteen to thirty, seldom more, and are 
frequently to be seen flitting through the bushes and trees along the 
roadside or about the borders of woods and clearings. 

The food of this species consists chiefly of insects. They destroy great 
quantities of caterpillars, as well as other destructive larvae. Immense 
numbers of noxious beetles, numerous plant-lice, many spiders and flies 


•These flocks. I think, are composed entirely of young of the first year. 







216 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


0 

are captured during* their foraging expeditions in the orchard, field and 
garden. “ Rose-slugs,” “ cabbage-worms ” and grasshoppers are eagerly 
devoured by Orchard Orioles. They subsist to a small extent on soft 
fruits (strawberries, mulberries and raspberries) when the same are in 
season, and occasionally feed on apple and pear blossoms, their depre¬ 
dations, however, in these directions are very unimportant. 

The food-materials of sixteen Orchard Orioles examined by the author 
are given in the following table: 

——— 

Food-Materials. 


Small green • * worms, *’ on apple tree. 

Small worms*' and beetles. 

Beetles. 

Vegetable matter (not determined). 

Caterpillar, beetles and flies. 

Beetles and few small seeds. 

Caterpillars and beetles. 

Small green worms and beetles, on apple trees 
Beetles and larvae. 

Numerous small green-colored beetles. 

Caterpi liar, beetles and some little vegetable matter. 
Beetles and flies. 

Caterpillar and vegetable matter. 

Small worms and beetles. 

Caterpillars, small green beetles and other insects. 
Small seeds and flies. 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

1 

May 11. 1880, . . . 

Berwyn, Pa........ 

2 

May 15, 1880. . . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

3 

May 15, 18S0. . . . 

Chester county, Pa.. . . 

4 

May 17, 1880, . . . 

Chester county, Pa.. . . 

5 

May 23. 1880. . . . 

Chester county, Pa.. . . 

G 

May G, 1881, . . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

7 

May 8. 1883, . . . 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

8 

May 13, 1883, . . . 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

9 

May 17, 1883, . . . 

Chester county, Pa.. . . 

10 

May 17. 1883, . . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

11 

May 21. 1883, . . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

12 

June 10. 1880, . . . 

Newark, Delaware, . . 

13 

June 1, 1883, . . . 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

14 

June 4. 1884, . . . 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

lo 

June 7. 1884, . . . 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

1G 

July 20, 1884, . . . 

Chester county, Pa. , . . 


Icterus galbula (Ltnn.). 


Baltimore Oriole; Hanging-bird. 

Description {Plate 29). 




The adults and young vary greatly in plumage. The adult female and young male 
frequently can only be distinguished by dissection. Length about8 inches ; extent 
about 12| inches ; female smaller. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States ; west nearly to the Rocky mountains. 

The Baltimore Oriole is quite plentifully distributed throughout Penn¬ 
sylvania as a summer resident. This well-known and beautiful species 
winters, it is stated, in Cuba, Mexico and Central America, and in the 
spring migrates northward, arriving in this latitude from April 25 to 
May 1. The males come mostly a few days in advance of the females, 
and appear usually in parties of five or eight, sometimes, though rarely, 
flocks of fifteen or twenty individuals are observed. These birds at first, 
and particularly if several should be together, are generally found fre¬ 
quenting forests; especially do they delight in gleaning among the 
branches of the hickory, maple and oak trees. The Baltimore Oriole, 
like the preceding species, is a common frequenter about the habitations 
of man. This bird is known by a variety of names, most of which have 
reference to his showy dress. The appellation “ Baltimore,” Dr. Coues 
writes, “ is not from the city of that name, but from the title of Sir 
George Calvert, first baron of Baltimore; the colors of the bird being 
chosen for his livery, or resembling those of his coat-of-arms .”—Key to 
N. A. Birds, p. 108. The terms Golden-robin, Fire-bird and Red-bird, 

























BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


217 


are in allusion to the orange coloration, brightest on the breast, but 
varying in amount as well as brilliancy with age and season. He is also 
called Hang-nest and Hanging-bird, from the fact that he, assisted by 
his mate, constructs a most elaborate pensile nest, so frequently seen 
swinging in the pendant branches of the drooping willow, the spreading 
elm, the stately poplar or the tall sycamore. Nest building, in this 
locality, is begun late in May or early in June. The male devotes him¬ 
self, principally, to collecting the building materials, while upon the 
female, Mr. Gentry states, “ devolves the duty of weaving the ingre¬ 
dients together, which is the labor of a week of almost steady applica¬ 
tion.” The nest, composed of various materials,* such as strings, pieces 
of lint, rags, plant-fibers, hair, etc., which are capable of being woven 
together, is always suspended from the pendulous branches of a tree 
either in an orchard, lawn or woods. The bottom of this swaying, cylin- 
dric and poucli-like abode is lined with different downy substances. The 
nests are generally so placed that they are sheltered by a bunch of 
leaves hanging from above, sometimes, however, when insufficient protec¬ 
tion is thus furnished by nature, these weaver-birds, to shield their hid¬ 
den treasures from sun and rain, will construct a canopy of strings, etc., 
above the top of their house. The eggs, commonly five in number, are 
a little larger than those of the Orchard Oriole. They are whitish, 
dotted, blotched, spotted and sinuously lined with black and brown. 

1 The Baltimore Oriole feeds chiefly on various forms of insect-life. The 
destructive apple-tree caterpillars, as w r ell as other caterpillars, are de- 
stroyed in great quantities by these birds, who not only subsist to a 
I considerable extent on these and other larvae, but likewise, Nuttall states, 
feed their young principally on soft caterpillars. The orioles also cap¬ 
ture large numbers of beetles, flies, spiders, etc., in the fruit and forest 
trees. They occasionally feed on the blossoms of the apple, pear, 
maple and other trees. A juicy cherry is relished, and different kinds 
of small berries are fed upon to a more or less extent. Mr. Gentry in 
relation to this species says: “This oriole deserves our favor and 

I esteem for the numerous insects of an injurious character which it de- 
I stroys, which thus compensate for the trifling injuries which it commits 
in the destruction of the succulent pea and the blossoms of the cherry 
and apple which it rifles of their stamens and ovaries.” 

To Prof. A. Wanner, of York, Pa., I am indebted for the following in¬ 
teresting note concerning this species: “Several years ago I observed 
some Baltimore Orioles in my yard opening the rough (on the exterior) 
almond-shaped cocoons that hung from the limbs of fruit trees. The 
birds systematically hunted limb after limb in quest of the cocoons, 

* The following interesting extract is taken from a letter sent to the author by Dr. John W. Detwiller. 
of Northampton county : ‘ * The late Dr. H. Detwiller, of Easton, Penna. ,had a female Baltimore Oriole 
in confinement for several years. It became so tame that it had the liberty to fly about the house as it 
pleased: it built a nest from the Doctor's gray hair which it would pull from his head. This remarkable 
piece of bird architecture is now in the possession of Mr. Minnot, of Germantown, Pennsylvania.” 









218 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


and as soon as they were found the orioles opened them and took out 
the larvae at the rate of two in a minute. I watched the birds and timed 
them.” 

The food materials of twenty-six of these birds examined by the 
author and Mr. Benj. M. Everhart are given below: 


No. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 4.1880, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Beetles and blossoms. 

2 

May 10.1880, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Beetles and diptera. 

3 

May 6,1880. 

Chester county. Pa., 

Vegetable matter, apparently blossoms. 

4 

May 6,1380. 

Chester county, Pa., 

Beetles and vegetable matter. 

5 

May 10.18S0. 

Chester county. Pa., 

Beetles and vegetable matter. 

6 

May 11,1830, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Caterpillars, fragments of beetles, small green worms and leaves. 

7 

June 6,1880, 

New Castle co.. Del., 

Beetles. 

8 

June 11,1880, 

Newcastle co., Del., 

Beetles and vegetable matter (blossoms). 

9 

May 19.1882, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Larvae, diptera and beetles.* 

10 

May 19,1882, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Larvae, diptera and beetles.* 

11 

May 19.1882. 

Chester county, Pa., 

Beetles and Hies.* 

12 

May 19,1882, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Beetles and tiies.* 

13 

May 7.1883, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Larvae and beetles (.on apple tree) 

14 

May 7,1883, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Beetles and diptera.* 

15 

May 7,1883, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Beetles and diptera.* 

16 

May 7.1883, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Black beetles.* 

17 

May 13.1883, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Small black beetles (on apple tree). 

18 

May 13,1883, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Small black beetles (on apple tree). 

19 

May 14,1883, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Larvae, beetles and traces of vegetable matter.* 

20 

May 14,1883, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Larvae.* 

21 

May 14.1883, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Beetles.* 

22 

May 14.1883, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Larvae and beetles.* 

23 

May 21,1883, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Larvae. 

24 

May 21 1883, 

Chester county. Pa., 

Larvae. 

25 

May 25,1883, 

Chester county, Pa., 

Beetles and larva?. 

26 

June 1,1883, 

Chester county, Pa.. 

Beetles and larvae. 




Genus SCOLECOPHAGUS Swainson. 
Scolecophagus carolinus (Mull.). 

Rusty Blackbird. 


Description. 


Bill shorter than head and rather slender; legs and feet dark; iris pale-straw 
color ; light line over eye. 

Male .—General color black and somewhat glossy; feathers of upper part very 
rusty; lower parts rusty but lighter. 

Female. —Brownish-slate color, more or less rusty. Length about 9| inches ; ex¬ 
tent about 15 inches ; female little smaller. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, west to Alaska and the plains. Breeds from 
northern New England northward. 

The Busty Grackle, the only blackbird occurring regularly in Penn¬ 
sylvania which does not breed here, can readily be recognized from 
other species by its ferruginous plumage and yellow or light-colored 
eyes. The Busty Blackbirds winter in the southern states, passing 
southward as far as Florida, where I have observed them in February 
and March. When journeying to their breeding grounds, from the 
northern New England states to Labrador, etc., this species, according 
to my observation, migrates singly or in pairs, but never in flocks. 
These birds arrive in Pennsylvania, occasionally, as early as March 1, 


* Feeding in hickory trees. 




























BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


219 


and some seasons they are not observed before April 1; they usually, 
however, come about the middle of March, and frequent chiefly, during 
their brief sojourn, bushy and marshy situations generally. After 
having reared their young they again make their appearance in this 
state about the middle of October (sometimes as early as the first of 
October), and often are seen as late as the 20th of November. In the 
autumn the Rusty Blackbirds are observed in flocks of from eight 
to a dozen or fifteen, seldom more. At this time they inhabit the 
same localities that were resorted to in spring, and visit also corn 
and other grain fields; like the Cowbirds, that depart usually by the 
time their rusty-coated relatives arrive, they often frequent pasture 
grounds among the cattle. I have never seen these birds alight on the 
I backs of cattle as Crows and Cowbirds sometimes are in the habit of 
doing. The only note I have ever heard this bird utter is a short and 
rather low chuck. The food of this species consists largely of beetles, 
grasshoppers, snails and earth-worms. They feed to considerable ex¬ 
tent on the seeds of various plants; different kinds of small berries are 
added to their menu ; the scattered grains of wheat, rye or other cereals, 
which are to be found in the fields and meadows, are likewise eaten. 
When in cornfields they sometimes perch on the shocks and pick from 
; the ears a few grains, the damage, however, which they do in this way 
I is of but little importance. 


Genus QUISCALUS Vieillot. 

Quiscalus quiscula (Linn.). 

Purple Grackle ; Common Crow Blackbird. 

Description (Plate 61. Fig. I.) 

Bill stout, about as long as head ; bill and feet black; iris yellow. In life may be 
recognized by the V-shaped tail, so conspicuous when flying. Head and neck all 
well defined steel-blue, the rest of the body with varied reflections of bronze, golden, 
green, copper and purple, the latter most conspicuous, especially on tail, the tail- 
coverts and wings. 

Female. —Similar, but smaller and duller, with more green on the head. 

Young.—Very similar to female. The eyes of young birds are brown. 

Male .—Measures about 13 inches long and 18 inches in extent 

Habitat .—Atlantic states, from Florida to Long Island. 

It can safely be said that of the numerous representatives of the Avian 
tribes abounding throughout this great commonwealth, no species is 
more abundant or familiarly known than is the subject of this article. 
Early in the month of March this species arrives in Pennsylvania in 
large-sized flocks from their wintering resorts, viz: Virginia, the Caro- 
linas, Georgia and other of the southern states. 

During mild winters, however, I have frequently observed them, in 
limited numbers, in this section (Chester county), also in the county of 





220 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


New Castle, Delaware; correctly speaking, however, we cannot properly 
regard these birds as winter residents of the Keystone State. 

For a period of about one month following their vernal arrival they 
roam over the country, frequenting chiefly meadows, low lands and 
plowed fields. On the approach of night they collect in large numbers 
in some favorite roosting place, such as cedar or pine trees, thick woods, 
or dense thickets. 

Nest-building is usually begun about the middle of April, although 
on two or three occasions I have found nests, with full complements of 
eggs, as early as the first week in April. 

In colonies of from ten to twenty, seldom more, they locate them¬ 
selves for the purpose of nidification and reproduction. In this locality 
(Chester county) their favorite breeding resorts are apple orchards, the 
fruit and other trees commonly about the habitations of man. The nest 
is bulky and rudely constructed externally of rootlets, small twigs, dry 
plants, bits of corn-blades, etc., somewhat loosely but quite firmly 
bound together. Mud or mudded materials frequently enter into the 
construction of the nest, but this is not always the case; the interior is 
lined usually with fine grasses; occasionally I have seen leaves and feath¬ 
ers constituting the internal lamina. The construction of the nest 
occupies about one week; both sexes engage in its erection. It is 
built at the junction of two or more large-sized limbs or among the 
sprouts and matted twigs. The nests vary somewhat in size, but the 
one now before me—about the average—gives the following dimensions: 
Height, 6J inches; diameter, 7| inches; depth of cavity, 3 inches. 
Gentry observes that the female begins to deposit her eggs, one ovum 
per day, the day following the completion of the nest. Such may be 
the case, but my observation has been that oviposition does not often 
take place until three or even five days subsequent to the completion of 
the nest. The complement of eggs is commonly spoken of as six; gen¬ 
erally, however, I have found five, and regard this number as the full quota. 
The eggs are light greenish (sometimes pale rusty-brown), spotted, 
blotched and lined with black and dark-brown; they measure about 1J 
inches long and .90 of an inch wide. The period of incubation is from 
fourteen to fifteen days. The parent birds evince marked solicitude for 
their nest and its contents. 

It is evident from the writings of various authorities that the nesting 
sites of this species vary considerably. By Nuttall and others we are 
informed that they sometimes build in bushes. From the works of 
Audubon it is learned that in the south they build chiefly in hollow 
trees. I have found these birds building in common house ivy (Hedera 
helix) but never in bushes, and only on two occasions have I discovered 
their nests in hollow trees; both of these nests were built in apple trees. 
One was constructed in a limb about seven feet from the gxound, the 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


221 


other was placed about twenty feet from the earth, neither of these 
differed materially in their make-up from the average nest. 

Food. 

To our agriculturist this is a subject worthy of some consideration. 
It appears to be the prevailing opinion among many farmers—the ma¬ 
jority in fact—that Crow Blackbirds are in many ways detrimental, and 
in no particular are they beneficial. This belief, evidently handed down 
from one generation to another, is taken in its full meaning, widely 
at variance with positive fact. Among the first of our vernal migrants 
come the Crow Blackbirds in large flocks which disperse themselves 
over the country, frequenting, principally, as previously stated, meadow 
lands and humid grounds in quest chiefly of an insect diet, that is only 
occasionally diversified by a grain of corn, wheat or oats, and such seeds 
as may be found in seeking the hidden insect. 

In the wake of the plowman, as he turns the crumbling earth, closely 
follow the argus-eyed Grackles, ever on the alert to seize the wriggling 
worm, the agile beetle, or the glistening grub, and the numerous larvce 
thrown out as each furrow is turned. Certainly, at this season our sable 
acquaintances are engaged only in that which will prove of utility to the 
cultivator when his crops are growing. We repeatedly hear of how the 
blackbirds tear up and devour the young and growing corn. This, un¬ 
questionably, is sometimes the case, but I am confident that the destruc¬ 
tion thus done is much exaggerated. I am aware that on more than one 
occasion I have seen the tender blades of corn lying on the ground 
where were actively at work Crow Blackbirds, a number of which were 
shot, and on post-mortem dissection their stomachs revealed almost en¬ 
tirely insects. Some six years ago I was visiting a friend who had thirty 
odd acres of corn (maize) planted. Quite a number of “ blackies,” as he 
styled them, were plying themselves with great activity about the grow¬ 
ing cereal. We shot thirty-one of these birds feeding in the cornfield. 
Of this number nineteen showed only cut-worms in their stomachs. The 
number of cut-worms in each, of course, varied, but as many as twenty- 
two were taken from one stomach. In seven some corn was found, in 
connection with a very large excess of insects, to wit t Beetles, earth¬ 
worms and cut-worms. The remaining five showed chiefly beetles. 

Comment is frequently made with regard to the Purple Grackles pil¬ 
laging the cherry trees. To some extent this is true, but certainly the 
amount of fruit taken is small, far less than that injured by the well- 
known Cedar or Cherry Bird (Ampelis cedrorum). 

Strawberries, blackberries and other fruits are fed upon, but to a very 
limited extent, by this species. The diet of the young birds, while under 
parental care, is almost exclusively insectivorous, consisting mainly of 
caterpillars and grubs. 

It is a well-established fact that they are given to pillaging the eggs 







222 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


of other birds, especially the common Robin. Gentry, however, states that 
they destroy the young 1 of birds, a fact, as yet, unobserved by the writer. 

In referring to this species, Wilson very aptly remarks: “As some 
consolation to the industrious cultivator, I can assure him that were I 
placed in his situation, I should hesitate whether to consider these birds 
most as friends or enemies, as they are particularly destructive to almost 
all the noxious worms, grubs and caterpillars that infest his fields, which, 
were they allowed to multiply unmolested, would soon consume nine- 
tenths of all the productions of his labor and desolate the .country with 
the miseries of famine.” 

In concluding, attention is called to several series of stomach exami¬ 
nations, made at different periods during the past seven years, and from 
such work the reader can draw his own conclusions. 

March—Twenty-nine examined. They showed chiefly insects and 
seeds; in five corn was present, and in four wheat and oats were found. 
All of these grains, however, were in connection with an excess of insect 
food. 

April—Thirty-three examined. They revealed chiefly insects, with but 
a small amount of vegetable matter. 

May—Eighty-two examined. Almost entirely insects, cut-worms be¬ 
ing especially frequent. 

June—Forty-three examined. Showed generally insects, cut worms 
in abundance; fruits and berries present, but to very small extent. 

July—Twenty-four examined. Showed mainly insects ; berries pres¬ 
ent in limited amount. 

August—Twenty-three examined. Showed chiefly insects, berries and 
com. 

September—Eighteen examined. Showed insects, berries, corn and 
seeds. 

October—During this month (1882), the writer made repeated visits 
to roosting resorts, where these birds were collected in great numbers, 
and shot three hundred and seventy-eight, which were examined. Of 
this number the following is the result of examinations, in detail, of one 
hundred and eleven stomachs: 

Thirty, corn and coleoptera (beetles); twenty-seven, corn only ; fifteen, 
orthoptera (grasshoppers); eleven, corn and seeds; eleven, corn and orthop- 
tera; seven, coleoptera; three, coleoptera and orthoptera; three, wheat 
and coleoptera ; two, wheat and corn; one, wheat; one, diptera (flies). 

The remaining two hundred and sixty-seven birds were taken from the 
10th to the 31st of the month, and their food was found to consist almost 
entirely of corn. 

These examinations show that late in the fall, when insect food is 
scarce, corn is especially preyed upon by these birds, but during the 
previous periods of their residence with us, insects form a large portion 
of their diet. 

In the West Chester (Pa.) Daily News , June 15,1880, the following men- 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


223 


tion of the Crow Blackbird was made on the authority of the late David 
Euen, Esq, of Plioenixville, Pa.: “ A day or two since, while Edward 
Entwisle, and another resident (David Euen), of Phoenixville, were walk¬ 
ing along French creek in that town, they saw a common Crow Black¬ 
bird fly to the water’s edge and take therefrom a minnow which it 
swallowed.” The fish-eating habit of the Crow Blackbird, in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, is of rare occurrence, and beyond the record above given by Mr. 
Euen there are no records, known to me, showing a piscivorous desire 
on the part of the species in this commonwealth. At various times in 
the past eight years, I have examined the stomach contents of some 
seven hundred Crow Blackbirds, captured in Pennsylvania and Delaware, 
yet in this large number nothing was found to lead one to suspect a fish¬ 
eating habit. In Florida, the Grackle, according to my investigations, 
takes most kindly to a fish diet. Since the latter part of February, 1885, 
I have dissected the alimentary tracts of forty-four of this species, seven¬ 
teen of which were secured in Florida, along the St. John’s river. These 
seventeen examples, obtained at various periods from March 1 to May 
7, 1885, showed generally an insect-food preference—beetles, principally. 
Six of the number, however, revealed unmistakable evidences of having 
taken as nourishment fishes, as will be seen by this table: 


NO. 

Date. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

March 3. 1885. . . . 

Volusia county, Fla. 

Five small fishes, beetles and grub. 

2 

April 21. 1885, . . . 

Orange county. Fla. 

Three fishes, beetles and mulberries. 

3 

April 10. 1885, . . . 

Orange county, Fla. 

Remains of fishes, beetles, small seeds, etc. 

4 

March 14. 1885. . . . 

Volusia county, Fla. 

Remains of fishes, beetle, oats and corn. 

5 

April 29, 1885, . . . 

Volusia county, Fla. 

Cray-fish, minnow and different insects. 

6 

May —, 1885, . . . 

Volusia county, Fla. 

Remains of fishes and green-colored beetle. 


Of the forty birds above mentioned, twenty-seven were taken in Ches¬ 
ter county, Pa., during May, June and July, feeding chiefly along the 
fertile banks of the Brandywine creek. In this series, however, not a 
single individual was found to possess a trace which would show in the 
northern birds a fish-food want. A Florida fisherman, during the early 
part of April, 1885, caught a number of “ perch ” which spoiled before a 
market could be found for them. The decaying carcasses were tossed 
into the river, to float away or to be “ gobbled up ” by the voracious 
“catties.” Several of these defunct fishes lodged among the shell rocks 
lining the banks. Probably an hour after the cast-aways had lain along 
the riverside, three Crow Blackbirds were seen—quoting the phraseology 
of a “cracker” who was present at the time—“to jine de fish and feast 
’emselves to plum fulness.” After the departure of the sable visitants, 
an inspection of the feeding-place revealed that the birds had picked out 
the eyes of seven, or all but one, of the fishes, three of which were con¬ 
siderably torn about the abdominal regions. The mutilated condition 
of the belly muscles is mainly attributed to the fact that the fish had 
been eviscerated before having been thrown away, hence these incised 
parts were more accessible to mandibular action than other and unbroken 




















224 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


r 


parts of the scaly anatomy. Certainly, there is no obvious reason why 
the abdominal and neighboring’ pectoral portions of a “ perch ” should 
be more palatable to the sprightly “ White-eyed Jackdaw,” as the native 
Floridians are accustomed to term the species. 

The Bronzed Grackle ( Q. quiscula ceneus, Ridgw.)is the common Crow 
Blackbird found in the western part of Pennsylvania west of the Alle¬ 
gheny mountains. In eastern Pennsylvania this bird is rather rare. This 
variety differs from the typical quiscula chiefly in having a uniform 
brassy-colored body, and wings and tail purplish or violet, never bluish. 


Family FRINGILLID^l. Finches, Sparrows, Etc. 


THE SPARROWS, ETC. 

Over thirty species of this, the largest North American family, are found in Penn¬ 
sylvania, either as residents, summer residents, regular spring and fall migrants, or 
casual visitors. Some species, especially the male Grosbeaks, also the male Purple 
Finch, Dickcissel, Indigo-bird, Towhee, Crossbills, Junco, Red-poll and Goldfinch 
are highly colored, being conspicuously marked with either one or more of these col¬ 
ors, red, yellow, black and blue ; others, in fact the majority, are plainly attired ; the 
Snowflake, when found in this state, is showily dressed in a garb of white and brown. 
The eyes, in all species other than the Towhee, which are red or yellowish, are brown 
or hazel. During the breeding season these birds are commonly seen singly or in 
pairs; but, at other times, many of them, particularly the English Sparrow, Snowflake, 
Red-poll, etc., are to be observed in large flocks, and small flocks or companies of all 
but a few species, which occur here, are frequently seen in fields, woods, thickets or 
in tangled weeds, grasses and briery places about streams and bushy swamps. Species 
are also common and familiar visitors to our orchards, yards and gardens. They 
subsist mainly on a vegetable diet, consisting largely of divers seeds ; but many of 
them, especially the English Sparrow, the Rose-breasted, Pine and Evening Gros¬ 
beaks, likewise the Purple Finch, the White-throated Sparrow and the two species 
of Crossbills, feed extensively on buds and other soft vegetable substances. The 
young of most, in fact nearly all, of these birds are fed largely on an insect diet, and 
during the breeding season many of the adult Fringillidce also subsist to a consid¬ 
erable extent on different kinds of insect-life, particularly small larvae, flies, spiders 
and the smaller beetles. Their nests are built usually in bushes or trees, but some 
build on the ground. Nearly a]l of these birds sing, “with varying ability and 
effect; some of them are among our most delightful vocalists”—( Coues ). “Prima¬ 
ries 9; bill very short, abruptly conical and robust. Commissure strongly angu- 
lated at base of bill. Nostrils placed very high; rictal bristles usually obvious; 
wings usually rather long and pointed. Tarsi scutellate in front, but the sides with 
two undivided plates meeting behind and producing a rather sharp posterior ridge. 
Tail of twelve feathers, but variable in form.” 


Genus COCCOTHRAUSTES Brisson. 


Coccothraustes vespertina (Coop.). 

Evening Grosbeak. 

Description (Plate 92). 

Bill very large and stout, over £ of an inch long and a little less in width at base ; 
color greenish-yellow. 

Male. —Forehead, line over eye, lower part of back and rump, under tail-coverts 
and lower part of belly yellow ; crown, tibiae, tail and its upper coverts and wings 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


225 


black ; secondaries mostly white. Rest of head, neck all around and anterior parts 
of body, dusky olivaceous, becoming paler behind. Female and young much 
duller with less yellow, and more brownisli-ash ; lower parts very pale, almost white 
on belly. Length about 8*; wing about A \; tail 3. 

Habitat .—Western North America, east to Lake Superior, and casually to Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario; from the Fur countries south into Mexico. 

The Evening' Grosbeak first made its appearance in Pennsylvania in 
December last, and during the months of January, February, March 
and April (1890) scattered individuals or flocks containing from six to 
twenty or more were frequently seen. From my own personal obser¬ 
vations, as well as from reports received through the courtesy of other 
observers, it appears these birds were quite common in many of the 
western, northern and central parts of the state, but rare, or not seen at 
least, in some of the eastern counties from the date of their first appear¬ 
ance to the present time (May 15, 1&90). Referring to my note-book I 
find single birds, but mostly small parties, were observed at different 
periods from December 17 to April 12, inclusive, in the following coun¬ 
ties : Erie, Crawford, Warren, Elk, Cameron, Susquehanna. Wyoming, 
Clinton, Lycoming, Venango, Beaver, Westmoreland, Somerset, Colum¬ 
bia, Washington and Lackawanna. Mr. Geo. P. Friant, of Scranton, 
obtained from a hunter in Wyoming county, in the latter part of April 
last, a number of these grosbeaks, which were at that time said to be 
abundant at West Nicholson. The stomach contents of a dozen or more 
specimens which I examined consisted chiefly of seeds and green-colored 
vegetable substances, apparently buds. From the Forest and Stream of 
May 8, 1890, the following article, written May 1, by Mr F. F. Castle- 
bury, Montoursville, Lycoming county, is taken: “ Early in last Jan¬ 

uary a friend described to me a flock of strange birds he had seen the* 
j day before. From the imperfect description given I concluded they 
were Snow Buntings, and so paid no further attention to the matter. A 
few weeks later he killed three of them, and then I saw at once they 
were unlike any bird I had ever seen here. Upon investigation I found 
them to be Evening Grosbeaks, They have never before been recorded 
as appearing east of Ohio, and but seldom east of Lake Superior, but as 
is well-known, a number of specimens have been taken in this state and 
in New York during the past winter. The birds, numbering about forty, 
have kept together in a single flock all through their stay. Their food 
seems to consist entirely of wild cherry pits. They readily crack the 
stones with their stout bills, and a flock feeding on these makes a noise 
resembling «a miniature Fourth of July celebration. The male has a 
loud, clear and beautiful song, while both birds have a peculiar piping 
whistle, which is apparently used as a call note, and is kept up con¬ 
stantly. Two or three weeks ago the birds became quite uneasy, keep¬ 
ing well to the tops of the trees and ranging for miles up and down the 
river; but they finally returned to their old haunts, and now seem to 
15 Birds. 





226 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


have lost in a measure tlieir tribal organization, and to-day, April 30, 
they are to be found in all parts of the grove, making love to each other 
in much the same manner as Turtle Doves, seemingly well contented with 
what I believe will prove to be their summer home.”* 

Genus PINICOLA Vieillot. 

Pinicola enucleator canadensis (Cab ). 

Pino Grosbeak. 

Description (Plate 93). 

Bill and legs blackish. 

Male , adult. —General color light rose-pink; scapulars and feathers of back have 
dusky centers, giving a spotted appearance ; belly and lower tail-coverts ashy or 
whitish; wings and tail dusky and edged with whitish; wings have two whitish 
bars. Female grayish with bright olive-yellow head and rump, and breast also, in 
some specimens, with a tinge of same. The young resemble the female. Length 
about 8^ inches ; wing 4.60 ; tail 4.10. 

“ Habitat.— -Northern North America in general, breeding from northern New 
England, Labrador, etc., to Alaska (except coast south of the peninsula) and south 
in higher Rocky mountains to Utah and Colorado; in winter south to northern 
United States.”— Ridgway. 

Irregular winter visitor, much oftener met with in the pine and hem¬ 
lock forests of the northern parts of the state than elsewhere. This 
species, when found here, is usually observed in small flocks, but often¬ 
times individuals are seen in company with English Sparrows, Cross- 
bills, etc. In the winter of 1889-90 Pine Grosbeaks were very common 
in Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, from 
which localities the writer obtained, through the kindness of Mr. James 
C. Smith, of Montrose, and Mr. Geo. P. Friant, of Scranton, over forty 
specimens in various stages of plumage, hi the neighborhood of 
Montrose, Susquehanna county, where these birds were particularly 
numerous last winter (1889-90) they were called by boys and hunters 
“ Red English Sparrows.” The stomach contents of twenty odd of these 
birds examined by the writer consisted principally of small seeds and 
buds. The buds of different trees, etc., are eaten by these Grosbeaks, 
but those of the hickory and maple are fed upon to a very considerable 
extent. 

* Mr. F. F. Castlebury, in a letter dated September 29. 1890. informs me that the Evening Grosbeaks 
remained about Montoursville until May 11th, when they disappeared, being driven away by a gunner 
who killed and wounded several of them. Mr. Castlebury also adds that some of his neighbors claim 
that these Grosbeaks were seen at different times during the summer, but he is under the impression 
that the female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (Habia ludoviciana). which were quite plentiful, were mis¬ 
taken for the Evening Grosbeak. Mr. Ed. Allen, of Montoursville, to whom the writer is under obliga¬ 
tions for several very fine specimens of Evening Grosbeaks, presented to Mr. F. F. Castlebury one of 
these birds which had been crippled; this bird soon became so tame that it would take food from the 
hand of its owner. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


227 


Genus CARPODACUS Kaup 

Carpodacus purpureus (Gmel.). 

Purple Finch ; Crimson Finch. 

Description {PlateSO; Figs . 1 and 2). 

Adult male .—Crimson ; brightest on head; belly and lower tail-coverts whitish; 
wings and tail dusky ; feathers on middle of back have dark centers. Female and 
young olivaceous-brown, paler below, and everywhere streaked, but have no red ; 
immature males are found in various conditions of plumage. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, from the Atlantic coast to the plains. Breeds 
from the Middle States northward. 

The Crimson Finch, so called from the crimson-colored dress of the 
| adult male, is about as large as the common English Sparrow. This 
| species breeds occasionally and sparingly in Pennsylvania, particularly 
j in the northern* parts of the state—Erie, Crawford and a few other 
counties. I have found these birds to be much more numerous in the 
spring and autumn than in winter. They are found chiefly in forests, 
though it is not unusual to see them about houses, which they some¬ 
times visit in company with other species of sparrows. These birds are 
mostly observed in flocks; in winter, however, it is not uncommon to 
find them singly or in pairs, especially in the southern parts of the 
| commonwealth. In the spring I have noticed that their brown and cone- 
shaped bills are usually covered with particles of buds or other succulent 
vegetable substances, on which they mainly subsist at this season; the 
feathers of the forehead and throat are also more or less discolored by 
the juices of their plant food. The food of the Crimson Finch is made 
up chiefly of vegetable materials, particularly the buds and blossoms of 
| different forest, fruit and shade trees. Various kinds of small seeds, 

; as well as berries and some few insects are also eaten. I have examined 
the stomach contents of twenty-one Purple Finches captured in Chester 
county, Pa., in the latter part of March, during April and from May 1st 
to 15tli. Sixteen of these birds had fed exclusively on buds and 
blossoms; three, small seeds; two, beetles and flies in addition to 
vegetable matter. In this locality the buds of the beech and maple 
; trees constitute a very large proportion of their diet. Wilson writing of 
this species says: “ This is a winter bird of passage, coming to us in 
large flocks from the north in September and October; great numbers 
remaining with us in Pennsylvania during the whole winter, feeding on 
the seeds of the poplar, buttonwood, juniper, cedar and on those of 
many rank weeds that flourish in rich bottoms and along the margins of 
creeks. When the season is very severe, they proceed to the south as 
far at least as Georgia, returning north early in April. They now fre- 

* According to the observations of my friend Prof. August Kock, this species is a regular breeder in the 
city of Williamsport (Lycoming county). Their bulky nests, composed externally of twigs or small 
sticks, and lined internally with miscellaneous and soft materials, have always been found, by Prof. 
Kock. in a Norway or other pine tree. The gentleman named above says he has never known them to 
breed in woods in his locality, but always in trees along the streets or in yards. 







228 


BINDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


quent the elm trees, feeding" on the slender but sweet covering of the 
flowers; and, as soon as the cherries put out their blossoms, feed almost 
exclusively on the stamina of the flowers; afterwards, the apple blossoms 
are attacked in the same manner; and their depredations on these contin¬ 
ued till they disappear, which is usually about the 10th or middle of May." 

I have have never found the nest of this bird. According to different 
writers it is usually placed in evergreens or orchard trees, and is com¬ 
posed of grass, strips of bark and various vegetable fibers. The eggs, 
said to be, usually four in number, are described as being dull-green, 
spotted, chiefly about the larger end, with very dark-brown; they vary 
considerably in size, but average probably .86 long by .65 wide. 


Genus LOXIA Linnaeus. 

Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm.). 

American Crossbill. 

Description {Plate93). 

Male dull red ; wings and tail blackish ; female brownish-olive, tinged with yel¬ 
low and streaked with dusky. Immature birds, often considerablj 7- different from 
the adults, can always be recognized by their sickle-shaped bills and the absence of 
white wing bands. Length about 6 inches ; extent about 11. 

Habitat.— Northern North America, resident sparingly south in the eastern United 
States to Maryland and Tennessee and in the Alleghanies ; irregularly abundant in 
winter ; resident south in the Rocky mountains to Colorado. 

Two species and one geographical race,* of the genus Loxia are found 
in North America. Both species occur in Pennsylvania. Crossbills, as 
the name would indicate, can, by their bill alone, be known from all 
other of our feathered visitants. The American Crossbill and the White¬ 
winged species may be distinguished without difficulty, if you remem¬ 
ber that the first-named never has white bands on the wings, and the 
other species, whether in adult or immature plumage, has, as its specific 
name signifies, white wing marks. The Crossbills, inhabitants chiefly 
of pine and hemlock forests, are frequently met with, during autumn 
and winter months, in various sections of this commonwealth. 

The American Crossbill breeds regularly in Clinton, Clearfield, Lu¬ 
zerne, Lycoming and Cameron counties, and also doubtless in the higher 
mountainous regions in other parts of the state. Dr. W. L. Hartman, 
of Pittston, has taken the nest and eggs of this bird, in March, in Lu¬ 
zerne county, and Prof. August Kock has observed the old birds with 
their young early in May feeding on the buds and blossoms of apple 
trees about Williamsport. Dr. Yan Fleet informs me they are found at 
all seasons about Benovo. In nearly all the mountainous regions of 
Pennsylvania the Crossbills are quite common in winter, and are found 
often in large flocks, which number sometimes two hundred, frequent- 


* The Mexican Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra stricklandi, Ridgw.), found in Colorado, southern Arizona 
and the table lands of Mexico, is said to differ from the American Crossbill in being brighter in color and 
having a slightly larger bill; the lower mandible especially is heavier than that of h. c. minor. 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


229 


ing' chiefly pine and hemlock trees, on the seeds of which they mainly 
subsist. They also visit log cabins and other buildings about the 
forests, and pick at the mud used to fill up the chinks between the logs, 
etc. The nest of this bird is said to be built usually in a coniferous 
tree and composed of twigs, strips and fibers of bark, hair, small roots, 
grasses, etc.; “eggs, three to four, .75 by .57,pale-greenish, spotted and 
dotted about larger end with dark, purplish-brown, with lavender shell- 
markings.”— Coues. 


Loxia leucoptera Gmel. 

White-winged Crossbill. 

Description ( Plate 93). 

Size about same as American Crossbill. 

Ma £e.—rGeneral color rosy-red ; scapulars, wings and tail black. 

Female .—General color greenish-olive, breast yellowish ; wings and tail dusky- 
brown. The young, very similar to female, are streaked with dusky, and all have 
tips of middle and greater coverts white, forming two showy white wing bands, 
which in any plumage, and their peculiar sickle-like bills, will enable you to dis¬ 
tinguish them from other of the Fringillidas. 

Habitat .—Northern parts of North America, south into the United States in 
winter. Breeds from northern New England northward. 

The White-winged Crossbill from all the information I can obtain 
does not build in Pennsylvania where it occurs only as a winter visitor. 
This species is found in the same localities as the American Crossbill, 
but, unlike the last-mentioned bird, it appears to be much less common 
and more irregular in its visits. In the winter of 1889-90 White-winged 
Crossbills were very common in Wyoming, Lackawanna and Susque¬ 
hanna counties. Crossbills are nearly always to be found in flocks. 
The food of this species is similar to that of the American Crossbill. 


Genus ACANTHIS Bechstein. 

Acanthis linaria (Linn.). 

Redpoll; Little Snow-bird. 


Description. 

The small and very acute bill is yellow, a dusky streak extends backward from 
point of each mandible ; legs, feet, claws and iris dark ; tail deeply forked. 

Adult male .—Above brownish-yellow, each feather streaked with dark-brown and 
margined with grayish ; tail and wings dusky edged with whitish ; two white wing 
bars ; a narrow frontal space, throat patch and lores dull black (feathers of frontal 
region somewhat whitish). Top of head red ; breast and sides more or less colored 
with red ; rump and upper tail-coverts streaked with white and dusky, and in some 
specimens tinged with pinkish ; lower parts generally white but sides and under 
tail-coverts have dusky streaks. 

Female. —Very similar to male, but breast is usually of a yellowish tint and not 






230 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


red ; top of head red but not as bright as in male. The red on top of head of young 
male is often of a coppery hue. Length about inches ; extent about 9 inches. 

Habitat .—Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere, south irregularly in winter, 
in North America, to the middle United States (Washington, D. C., Kansas, south¬ 
eastern Oregon). 

The Redpoll, a native of high northern latitudes, occurs in the south¬ 
ern parts of Pennsylvania only as an irregular and occasional winter 
visitant, but in some sections of the northern portions of the state it 
appears to be a rather common and regular winter visitor. Redpolls 
were exceedingly abundant in eastern Pennsylvania in the winter of 
1878-79, at which time they were observed about fields and houses in 
flocks of from twenty to two hundred or more. Last winter (1889-90) 
they were found in large flocks in the neighborhood of Montoursville, 
Lycoming county, by Mr. F. F. Castlebury, and they were also quite 
plentiful in different sections of Wyoming, Lackawanna and Susque¬ 
hanna counties, where a number of specimens were obtained by Mr. 
George P. Friant, of Scranton, and myself. The note of the Redpoll is 
very similar to that of the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis , Linn.). 
The food, during their sojourn with us, consists almost entirely of seeds 
of various grasses and weeds; the buds of different trees and some few 
insects are also eaten. 


Genus SPINUS Koch. 

Spinus tristis (Linn.). 

American Goldfinch; Salad-bird; Wild-canary; Yellow-bird; Thistle- 
bird. 

Description (Plate 31. Fig. J, adult male in summer). 

Legs, feet and bill flesh color. The male in early autumn loses his black cap, and 
his bright yellow upper and lower parts change to a dull brownish or greenish-yel¬ 
low, similar to the general plumage of the female. The male in winter may often 
be distinguished by the darker tail and wing feathers with their more conspicuous 
white or whitish markings. 

Female .—No black cap ; upper parts olivaceous; wings and tail dusky, marked 
with whitish as in male; lower parts whitish, more or less tinged with yellowish. 

Young. —Like winter adults, but duller in color. Length about 5* inches; extent 
about 9 inches. 

Habitat .—North America generally, breeding southward to the middle districts of 
the United States (to about the Potomac and Ohio rivers, Kansas and California), 
and wintering mostly south of the northern boundary of the United States. 

The American Goldfinch is a common resident in Pennsylvania dur¬ 
ing all seasons. These birds are usually observed in flocks which move 
from one locality to another as their food diminishes. Even in the 
breeding season (June, July and August), it is not uncommon to find 
several families nesting within a short distance of each other. The 
males in summer frequently associate in small flocks. The nest, an ex¬ 
ceedingly neat and beautiful cup-shaped structure, is composed exter- 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


231 


nally of various pliant plant substances, and lined inside with downy 
materials chiefly of a vegetable character; it is placed usually in the 
crotch of a small tree in the orchard, garden, or along the roadside. I 
have mostly found their nests, in the vicinity of West Chester, in small 
hickory and maple trees. Eggs commonly five, white, with faint blue- 
ish tint, .66 by .50. This Goldfinch, particularized by naturalists as 
tristis , from its low and plaintive notes, is known by a number of com¬ 
mon names which have reference either to his color or the seeds, etc., 
of plants on which he feeds. These birds subsist mainly on vegetable 
materials, particularly different kinds of small seeds of grasses, weeds, 
cultivated flowers, etc. The Salad-bird, like the Crimson Finch, is fond 
of feasting on the blossoms of apple, cherry and maple trees; the seeds 
of the dandelion, thistle and sunflower enter largely into his bill of 
fare. During the summer months, especially when they have young, 
the food consists principally of insects, such as small beetles, plant-lice, 
different species of flies and small grasshoppers; also small larvae. 

Spinus pinus (Wils.). 

Pine Siskin ; Pine Finch. 

Description ( Plate 31. Fig. 2). 

Bill very acute ; bill, feet and iris brown ; tail forked ; above brownish-olive ; be¬ 
neath whitish, feathers streaked with dusky ; concealed bases of tail feathers and 
quills, together with their inner edges, sulphur-yellow ; outer edges of quills and 
tail feathers yellowish-green ; two brownish-white bands on the wing ; a bright yel¬ 
low spot in some specimens back of posterior wing-band. 

Young. —Similar to adults but more rusty-brown. Length about 4.80 inches ; ex¬ 
tent about 8.75 inches. 

Habitat. —North America generally, breeding mostly north of the United States 
: and in the Rocky mountain region ; in winter south to the Gulf states and Mexico. 

The Pine Finch is a common winter resident in Pennsylvania. It ar¬ 
rives in this region early in October and departs usually in April. 

S These birds are found mostly in flocks of twenty to thirty each ; often¬ 
times solitary individuals or pairs are seen in company with snowbirds 
and different species of sparrows. As its specific name would indicate 
| it delights especially to dwell in pine forests. They feed on small seeds, 
cones of different pines, small berries, some few insects, and also, to a 
small extent, on buds of maple and other trees. I have, several times 
during the summer months, seen Pine Finches in the mountainous 
regions of our state where, I have no doubt, some every season rear 
their young. Prof. August Kock informs me that this species occasion¬ 
ally at least, if not regularly, breeds in the mountainous districts of 
Lycoming county. 





232 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus PLECTROPHENAX Stejneger. 

Plectrophenax nivalis (Linn.). 

Snowflake; Snow Bunting ; White Snow-bird. 

Description (Plate 94 ). 

Length about 7 inches ; extent about 12 \ ; legs black. 

* Adult in winter plumage .—Bill brownish-yellow, darker at point; upper parts 
generally brownish and blackish ; central tail leathers and most ol‘the primaries for 
about half their length towards ends, blackish ; under surface of wings, most of sec¬ 
ondaries, and lateral tail feathers chiefly white. Under parts chiefly white, sides of 
head and chest are more or less distinctly marked with rusty. The female is smaller 
than male and has less white on wing. 

Habitat .—Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic re¬ 
gions ; in North America, south in winter into the northern United States, irregu¬ 
larly to Georgia, southern Illinois and Kansas. 

This beautiful bird, readily recognized by its white and rusty plum 
age occurs in Pennsylvania only as an occasional winter visitant, except 
in the region about Lake Erie, where Mr. Sennett, and other observers 
assure me it is found as a regular winter sojourner. I 11 1889, Mr. Geo. 
Russell, of Erie city, killed one of these birds as early as the 12tli of 
October, at the bay, where I observed this species in Hocks of two hun¬ 
dred or more, in November and December of the same year. When 
noted in the other parts of the state Snowflakes are usually seen 
in Hocks, which sometimes contain one, two or three hundred each. 
The Snow Bunting, during its stay in this region, subsists mainly on 
seeds of various weeds, grasses, etc., which it finds in fields and meadows. 


Genus CALCARIUS Bechstein. 

Calcarius lapponicus (Linn.). 

Lapland Longspui*. 

Description. 

Bill moderate ; kind claw straightish with its digit longer than the middle toe and 
claw. 

Adult male. —Head and throat jet black, bordered with butty or whitish, which 
forms a postocular line separating the black of the crown from that of the sides of 
the head ; a broad chestnut cervical collar ; upper parts in general blackish, streaked 
with butty or whitish on edges of all the feathers ; below whitish, the breast and 
sides streaked with black ; wings dusky, the greater coverts and inner secondaries 
edged with dull bay ; tail, dusky, with an oblique white area on the outer feathers ; 
bill yellowish, tipped with black ; legs and feet black. Winter, males show less 
black on head and the cervical chestnut duller ; the temale and young have no con¬ 
tinuous black on head, and the crown is streaked like the back, and there are faint 
traces of the cervical collar. Length about ; extent about \\\ inches.— Coues. 

* In summer or breeding dress the adults, particularly the males, are pure white, the back, wings and tail 
variegated with black. Bill black. The female is quite similar, but has a little more brownish 












BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


233 


Habitat. Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding far north ; in 
North America south in winter to the northern United States, irregularly to the Mid¬ 
dle States, accidentally to South Carolina, and abundantly in the interior to Kansas 
and Colorado. 

The Lapland Longspur is a tolerably common and regular visitor 
about Lake Erie, and at the bay, from November until late in March, 
when it is found in small flocks, or scattered individuals are often seen 
in company with Horned Larks, Snowflakes or other species of the spar¬ 
row tribe. In other parts of Pennsylvania this species occurs as a rather 
rare and irregular winter visitor, and it appears to visit the eastern and 
southern parts of the state only in excessively cold weather, accompa¬ 
nied by great snow falls. Feeds on seeds of weeds and grasses, and fre¬ 
quents the same localities as the Snowflake. 


Genus POOCJETES Baird 
Poocaetes gramineus (Gmel.). 

Vesper Sparrow : Grass Finch ; Bay-winged Bunting. 

Description (Plate 82 . Fig. JT). 

Length about 6 inches; extent about 10 inches. 

No yellow anywhere; outer tail feathers partly white, above brownish streaked 
with dusky ; below dull white, streaked on sides, throat and breast with pale brown¬ 
ish ; lesser wing-coverts chestnut. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America to the plains, from Nova Scotia and Ontario 
| southward ; breeds from Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri northward. 

The Bay-winged Bunting is a common summer resident in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, and during the winter months is quite frequently to be met with 
i in the southern portions of the state. This plainly attired songster may 
: readily be recognized from other of the FringilUdce by the bright chest¬ 
nut colored lesser wing-coverts and the white lateral tail feathers, the 
I latter being most conspicuous when the bird is flying. These birds in¬ 
habit chiefly dry pasture fields and meadows ; they visit plowed grounds, 
i and are frequently to be observed perched on fence rails in fields or 
j along the roadsides, and, as Nuttall remarks, they are fond of dusting 
themselves and basking in dry places. Although the Yesper Sparrow 
is mainly terrestrial in habits, he may often be seen searching most in¬ 
dustriously in apple trees for various forms of insect life. These birds, 
when not engaged in breeding, are more or less gregarious and are often 
seen in company with other sparrows. The nest, composed of dried 
grasses, is built in a depression in the ground. The top of the ne^t is 
generally on a level with the hollow in which it rests; sometimes it is 
partly concealed by overhanging grasses; eggs, four to five, grayish- 
white or rusty-brown, spotted, lined and blotched with brown and black ; 
about .83 of an inch long and .60 of an inch wide. 

Bay-winged Buntings subsist principally on seeds of grasses, weeds 





234 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


and other plants. During the summer they feed to a considerable ex¬ 
tent on beetles, flies, spiders, earth-worms and various larvae; they like¬ 
wise eat strawberries, mulberries, blackberries, and, according to Mr. 
Gentry, the fruit of the wild choke-cherry. The buds of apple, beech 
and maple trees are also occasionally fed upon. 

Genus AMMODRAMUS Swainson. 

Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna (Wils.). 

Savanna Sparrow. 

Description. 

“ Feathers of the upper parts generally with a central streak of blackish-brown ; 
the streaks of the back with a slight rufous suffusion laterally ; the feathers edged 
with gray, which is lightest on the scapulars ; crown with a broad median stripe of 
yellowish-gray ; a superciliary streak from the bill to the back of the head, eyelids, 
and edge of the wing yellow ; a j’-ellowish-white maxillary stripe curving behind 
the ear-coverts, and margined above and below by brown ; the lower margin is a 
series of thickly crowded spots on the sides of the throat, which are also found on the 
sides of the neck, across the upper part of the breast, and on the sides of the body ; a 
few spots on the throat and chin ; rest of under parts white ; tarsus flesh color; feet 
brown ; iris dark brown. Length about 5.25 inches ; extent about 8.75.”— B. B. of 
N. A. 

Habitat. —Eastern province of North America, breeding from the northern United 
States to Labrador and Hudson’s Bay territory. 

The Savanna Sparrow is a moderately abundant spring and fall mi¬ 
grant in eastern Pennsylvania. During mild winters it is not unusual 
to find this species in the southern portions of this state; ordinarily, 
however, these birds arrive in Pennsylvania about April 1, and, in pairs 
or parties of five or six, may be found frequenting chiefly low damp 
ground in open fields (along fences), meadows and the borders of grassy 
ponds and pools. I have never observed this sparrow, in the spring, 
later than April 25. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, has found 
the Savanna Sparrow nesting in Pennsylvania; Mr. Sennett also informs 
me that it breeds sparingly in Crawford and Erie comities, and Dr. Yan 
Fleet has observed it as a rare native in Clinton county. Never having 
been fortunate enough to find the nest or eggs of this bird, I quote the 
following concerning them from Dr. Coues’ Key: “ Nest sunken in ground 
flush with surface, of a few grasses and weed-stalks; eggs, four to six, .70 
by .50, varying interminably in their motley coloring; usually heavily 
clouded and blotched with dark brown ; most like those of Pooccetes, but 
smaller.” This bird is seldom seen to perch on trees or bushes, some¬ 
times, though not often, he may be observed to alight on the lowermost 
rails of fences; but, occasionally, usually when frightened, I have ob¬ 
served them fly into trees and crouch close to the limbs as if endeavor¬ 
ing to hide. When passing southward the Savanna Sparrows make their 
appearance in this locality about the middle of September. Their food 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


235 


consists principally of different kinds of small seeds, also small beetles, 
grasshoppers, spiders, ants and small mollusca. 


Ammodramus savannarum passerinus (Wils.). 

Grasshopper Sparrow ; Yellow-winged. Sparrow. 

Description ( Plate 32. Fig. 3). 

“ Bill stout; legs flesh color ; tail double rounded. Above brownish-rufous, mar¬ 
gined narrowly and abruptly with ash color ; reddest on lower part of back and 
rump ; the feathers all abruptly black in the central portion ; this color visible on 
the interscapular region, where the rufous is more restricted ; crown blackish, with 
a central and superciliary stripe of yellowish tinged with brown, brightest in front 
ot the eye; bend of the wing bright yellow; lesser coverts tinged with greenish- 
yellow ; quills and tail feathers edged with whitish ; tertiaries much variegated ; 
lower parts brownish-yellow ; belly white or nearly so ; feathers of upper breast 
and sides of body w T ith obsoletely darker centers. 

Young. —Very similar to adult; upper part of breast streaked with dark brown, 
much more distinct than in the adult, and exhibiting a close resemblance to A. hens- 
lowii. Feathers of upper parts with less brownish rufous but more ashy edgings. 
Length about 5 inches ; extent about 8 inches.”— B. B. N. A. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States and southern Canada to the plains, south to 
Florida, Cuba, Porto Kico and coast of Central America. 

This bird is somewhat irregularly distributed. In the southern and 
southeastern portions of our state it is quite common from about May 1 
to the middle of September. In Crawford and Erie counties, or in the 
j extreme northwestern part of the commonwealth, Mr. George B. Sennett 
has found it to be a rare summer sojourner. It is reported to be a rather 
common summer resident in central Pennsylvania. I have found them 
to be very common in summer at State College, in Centre county. The 
name Grasshopper Sparrow is given because its note bears a very close 
| resemblance to that of the grasshopper. In Chester and the neighbor- 
i ing counties this bird is a common frequenter of dry sandy meadows, 
clover and grass fields, about which it may often be seen perched on the 
top of low weeds or on posts and fence rails. This is one of the spar¬ 
rows to be seen in the summer time perched on the fences along the 
roadsides. I have never observed a bird of this species in a tree, and it 
rarely is seen to perch on bushes. The nest is built on the ground, and 
! is usually concealed by a tuft of grass or a bunch of weeds. It is com- 
i posed of dry grasses, horse hair and fine roots; eggs, four or five, white 
with reddish-brown spots, .72 length by .61 breadth. 

The Yellow-winged Sparrow, during its residence with us, feeds prin- 
1 cipally on different kinds of insect life ; the small seeds of various plants, 
grasses and weeds are also taken. Beetles, grasshoppers, flies, earth¬ 
worms, etc., are eaten in large numbers; the young, when in charge of 
the parents, are fed chiefly on spiders and larvae. 





236 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Ammodramus henslowii (Aud.). 

Henslow’s Sparrow. 

Description. 

A little smaller but very similar to the Grasshopper Sparrow ; tail a little longer ; 
top of head heavily streaked with black, divided by pale greenish-gray stripe; occi¬ 
put and back of neck greenish-gray with black streaks ; a blackish streak back of 
eye, and another one back of lower mandible, throatand belly whitish, conspicuously 
streaked with black ; the breast, sides and flanks are light yellowish-brown ; upper 
surface of wings mostly chestnut; back and scapular feathers chestnut with con¬ 
spicuous black centers, edged with whitish, except towards the rump, where the 
edgings are mainly olivaceous or buff. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, west to the plains, north to southern New Eng¬ 
land and Ontario. 

Henslow’s Sparrow, according- to my observation, occurs in Pennsyl¬ 
vania as a rare spring and fall migrant. It frequents fields and mea¬ 
dows, and it easily escapes notice by hiding in the weeds and grasses. 
Nests of this species have been taken in our state by Dr. Detwiller,. of 
Bethlehem, and Mr. Boddy, of Millersville. Dr. Coues says it is “ com¬ 
mon about Washington (D. C.), where it breeds in fields and meadows; 
nest on the ground in tufts of grass. Eggs, four to five, greenish- 
white, profusely speckled with reddish, .75 by .57.” This sparrow ar¬ 
rives here about the first of May and departs in September. Food about 
same as that of the Grasshopper Sparrow. 

Genus ZONOTRICHIA Swainson. 

Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forst.). 

White-crowned Sparrow. 

Description ( Plate 95). 

Length about 7^ inches; extent about 10| ; no yellow on head or wing, as in the 
next species. Adult may be known by conspicuous black and white head stripes, 
and the light grayish or ashy markings well shown in plate. “ Young, first winter, 
head-stripes chestnut-brown and dull buff; otherwise similar to adult. Young, 
first plumage, crown dusky-blackish on sides, the middle whitish, streaked with 
dusky ; throat and breast more or less streaked with dusky.”— Ornith. of 111. Bidgw. 

Habitat.— North America at large, breeding chiefly in tne Rocky mountain region 
(including Sierra Nevada) and northeast to Labrador. 

Regular, but not common spring and fall migrant, and occasionally a 
few are found during mild winters in the southern parts of the state. 
This species frequents the same localities as the White-throated Spar¬ 
row, but it is less frequently seen in woods and orchards than the last- 
mentioned bird, being mostly found about brush heaps, along hedge¬ 
rows and bushy places in fields and near the borders of woods, etc. Its 
food consists chiefly of small seeds of different grasses, weeds, etc., and 
it also feeds to some extent on buds and blossoms of different trees, 
bushes, etc. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


237 


Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.). 

White-throated Sparrow. 

Description {Plate 95). 

I Size about same as leucophrys. 

Male. —Two broad black stripes on crown divided by a narrow white line, a showy 
' yellow stripe , from bill to middle of eye, joins a white stripe which runs back to the 
occiput; throat patch white; edge of wing yellow. Upper parts mostly chestnut 
streaked with black ; two showy white wing bars ; sides of head, neck in front, and 
breast, ashy or pale lead color. The female is similar but duller. The young and 
most specimens taken in autumn have throat, breast, and sides, more or less streaked 
with dusky. In a large number of specimens before me I see a trace of yellow be- 
i tween the eyes and bill, as well as on edge of wing. These yellow markings and 
i the large size are sufficient to identify the species. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, west to the plains, north to Labrador and the 
Fur Countries. Breeds in northern Michigan, northern New York and northern New 
England, and winters from the Middle States southward. 

This beautiful sparrow, one of our most common spring- and fall mi¬ 
grants, is found usually in small flocks about woods, apple orchards, 
gardens and shrubbery. In the spring, particularly in April, and the 
early part of May, the White-throats subsist largely, indeed chiefly, on 
the buds and blossoms of the apple, beech and maple trees. During 
their vernal migrations they may be observed, singly or in flocks, de¬ 
vouring the tender growth of beech trees, along the edges of woods, 
particularly those in the neighborhood of running streams. While it is 
true that the buds and blossoms of apple, maple and some few other 
trees are eaten, I am quite certain that their favorite articles of diet, in 
the way of buds and blossoms, are those of the beech trees. The dam¬ 
age which these birds do to apple or other fruit trees is so trifling that 
the farmer or fruit-grower should not be prejudiced against them. This 
species feeds also on various small seeds and different insects. The 
White-throated Sparrow is not uncommon as a winter resident in several 
of the southern counties of Pennsylvania. 


Genus SPIZELLA Bonaparte. 

Spizella monticola (Gmel.). 

Tree Sparrow. 

Description (Plate 94 ). 

Length about 6 inches; extent about 9|; the long blackish tail feathers are edged 
with whitish ; maxilla dark brown ; mandible yellowish ; legs brown ; toes black¬ 
ish ; crown chestnut (in many specimens the crown feathers, especially in center, 
are bordered with grayish); broad whitish line over eye, and back of eye a chestnut 
streak ; above, especially middle of back, brownish with dark streaks and paler 
edgings ; lower parts whitish ; ashy throat and neck, and brownish on sides and 
flanks. No dusky streaks on lower parts, but a conspicuous dusky spot in middie 
of breast. 






238 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Habitat .—Eastern North America, westward to the plains, and from the Arctic 
ocean ; south in winter, to the Carolinas, Kentucky and eastern Kansas. Breeds 
north of the United States, east of the Rocky mountains. 

This hardy sparrow, the largest of the genus, is an abundant winter 
resident from late in October to about the middle of April. We find 
them in flocks, often in company with Snow-birds and other sparrows, 
frequenting briery thickets, shrubbery, old fields where various weeds 
abound, and about hedge rows. Weedy spots near the edge of woods, 
or similar situations in or near briery places along the borders of small 
creeks are also favorite feeding grounds for them. The food of this 
species during its stay with us, consists almost entirely of the seeds of 
various weeds, grasses, etc.; cedar berries and wild grapes are also some¬ 
times fed upon. I have never known the Tree Sparrow to disturb the 
buds or blossoms of any trees or bushes, as some writers assert it is ac¬ 
customed to do in the spring before migrating northward. The name 
of Tree Sparrow is given, not because the bird is always found in trees 
or bushes, but from its common habit of flying from the ground or 
thickets into trees when disturbed. This bird not only frequently nests 
on the ground, but likewise collects the greater portion of its food from 
the earth. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, informs me that he 
had for some years, several pairs of these birds in an enclosure of net¬ 
work, 24x75 feet and about 12 feet high. They built nests, but in only 
a few instances did they lay their full sets of eggs, and none succeeded 
in hatching them. 


Spizella socialis (Wils.). 

Chipping Sparrow; Chippy. 

Description (Plate SO. Pig. s). 

Length about inches; extent about 8^; bill dark-brown or blackish ; legs pale- 
brownish ; feathers of forehead about base of maxilla black ; crown bright-chestnut; 
a whitish stripe from base of maxilla, along the chestnut crown ; black spot in front 
of eye and a black streak behind it; below whitish, or pale ashy, and unspotted; 
two whitish and narrow wing bars ; rump, back and sides of neck ashy ; middle of 
back brownish, with conspicuous black streaks. 

Young.— Crown brownish, streaked with blackish, streak over eye yellowish- 
white ; breast and sides with dusky lines ; bill light brown. 

Habitat.— Eastern North America, west to the Rocky mountains, north to Great 
Slave Lake, and south to eastern Mexico. 

The Chipping Sparrow, so named from its note, is an abundant sum¬ 
mer resident from early in April to the latter part of October. In the 
spring these birds are generally seen singly or in pairs; in the late sum¬ 
mer and fall the adults and young collect together and are to be found 
in flocks in company with other species, especially the Field and Vesper 
Sparrows. Chipping Sparrows are common frequenters about the hab¬ 
itations of man during the breeding season, but after rearing their 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


239 


young they repair to fields and bushes preparatory to migrating south¬ 
ward. The nest, which is built in trees or shrubbery, is made up of 
dried grasses, or other fine vegetable materials, and lined with horse 
hair. The bluish-green eggs, four or five in number, are marked usually 
on the larger end with a ring of purplish and blackish-brown spots. 
They measure about .70 by .55 of an inch. 

This species, in the early spring and autumn, subsists principally on 
the small seeds of different weeds and grasses; in the summer months 
both the adults and young feed mainly on an insect diet, small beetles, 
ants, flies, spiders and numerous small “ worms ” are eagerly devoured. 
Pieces of bread, cake, or small particles of meat, are also eaten with ap¬ 
parent relish. 


Spizella pusilla (Wils.). 

Field Sparrow. 


Description {Plate 32. Fig. 2). 

Size about the same as the Chippy, but tail is longer than that of socialis. Bill 
light reddish ; crown dull-chestnut, with mostly an indistinct grayish stripe in 
center ; no black or white on head; back quite rusty, with blackish streaks ; sides of 
head more or less rusty ; back of neck ashy, washed with rusty; below whitish and 
unmarked, more or less tinged, especially anteriorily, and on sides, with grayish 
and pale rusty. 

Young .—Colors similar to adult but duller, breast and sides more or less streaked 
with dusky. Length about 5* inches ; extent about 8 inches. 

Habitat.— Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to the plains. 

Common summer resident from April to November, and during mild 
winters a few of these birds are sometimes found with us. The Field 
Sparrow, as its name signifies, is a frequenter of fields; it delights es¬ 
pecially to inhabit sandy weed-grown fields or other uncultivated areas 
where numerous small bushes, particularly wild roses, are growing. 
Its somewhat mournful, yet sweet and entertaining, song may be heard 
at all times of the day. The nest is built on the ground or in low 
bushes, and is composed chiefly of grasses, leaves and hair; eggs, four 
or five, white, spotted with reddish brown, measure about .70 by .50 of 
an inch. In the early spring, fall and winter months, this species feeds 
mainly on small seeds of various weeds and grasses. In summer the 
old and young subsist largely on different forms of insect life, such as 
small beetles, flies, ants, spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, earth-worms, 
and different larvae. They also feed on raspberries, blackberries and 
other similar soft fruits; it is not uncommon to see the bill and feathers 
about the head and neck of this bird more or less discolored by the 
juices of such fruit. 








240 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus JUNCO Wagler. 

Junco hyemalis (Linn.). 

Slate-colored Junco; Snow-bird; Black Snow-bird. 

Description ( Plate 33. Fig. 3 and 4 ). 

Length about inches ; extent about 9£. 

Young in first plumage. —Above blackish and rusty-brown in numerous streaks; 
belly whitish, rest of lower parts profusely streaked with blackish and brownish ; 
outer tail feathers white like adults ; maxilla blackish ; mandible paler about base, 
but dark at tip. 

Habitat .—North America at large, but chiefly east of the Rocky mountains, breed¬ 
ing from the higher parts of the Alleghanies and northern New York and northern 
New England northward. South in winter to the Gulf States. 

The Snow-bird is a summer resident in nearly all the higher mountain 
ranges in Pennsylvania, but in no section of the state have I ever seen 
them as abundant in summer as they are along the line of the Bradford, 
Bordell and Kinzua railroad in McKean county, where their nests may 
be seen, often within a few yards of each other, in the sides of the banks. 
They are also common breeders at Kane, on the Philadelphia and 
Erie railroad. Prof. August Kock has found the Junco breeding 
abundantly in June about Little Pine creek in Lycoming county. 
Late in September the Snow-birds retire from their summer resorts 
and are found during the winter months, and until about the mid¬ 
dle of April, in the valleys and lowlands, particularly in the lower 
half of the state. This well-known species can readily be recognized by 
its whitish bill, the dark colored head, neck, back and throat, its white 
under parts and the white lateral tail feathers, the latter being most 
conspicuous when the bird is flying. Although these birds are found 
in all places, they are most plentiful in bushes, along the banks of 
streams, old weed-grown fields, fence rows and bushy tracts about the 
margins of woods. The nest, composed of dried grasses, roots, etc., 
lined with various soft materials, is placed on the ground. The eggs, 
according to Dr. Coues, number “ four or six, white, sprinkled with red¬ 
dish and darker brown dots, about .80 by .60.” During the fall, winter 
and spring Snow-birds feed almost entirely on seeds of divers weeds and 
grasses. Like the Chippy, this bird often is seen about houses, ready 
to pick up crumbs, etc., which are thrown out. 

Genus PASSER Brisson. 

Passer domesticus (Linn.). 

English Sparrow; European House Sparrow. 

Description (Plate 33. Figs. 1 and 2 ). 

Male.— Bill black, legs and feet brown ; above reddish brown, the back streaked 
with black ; crown and under parts brownish ash ; chin and throat black ; white 
wing-bar; a large patch of chestnut on each side of head, commencing over and back 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


241 


of eyes and spreading backwards to sides of neck; lesser wing-coverts bright 
chestnut. 

Female .—Duller colored and lacking the black on chin and throat; pale brown 
stripe back of eyes ; bill dark-brown, lower mandible yellowish at base. 

Young .—Very similar to female but male often recognizable by a few black patches 
on throat and chin. 

Habitat. —Europe, etc. Introduced about twenty years ago into the United States, 
where it has become naturalized in nearly all inhabited districts. 

Abundant resident about buildings. Nests in bird boxes, holes in 
j trees, on branches of trees, in vines and in various places about houses 
I and other buildings. The nest is composed of dried grasses, pieces of 
j string, etc., lined with an abundance of feathers. The dull-whitish eggs, 
l from four to seven in number, are thickly spotted and streaked with 
j different shades of brown. They measure about .90 by .62 of an inch. 
In this locality at least two, and probably more, broods are reared in a 
season. The English Sparrow, as this species is commonly known 
throughout the United States, is universally despised by farmers, fruit¬ 
growers and naturalists because of its pernicious habits. In the spring 
it feeds largely on the buds of fruit trees, bushes and vines, chief among 
which may be mentioned the pear, apple, peach, plum, cherry, currant 
i and grape. Different garden products, such as lettuce, beans, peas, 
cabbage, berries, pears, apples and grapes are greedily fed upon. The 
sparrow greatly damages the corn crop, tearing open the husks, devour¬ 
ing the tender part of the ear and exposing the remainder to the ravages 
of insects and to atmospheric changes. It alights on fields of wheat, 
oats and barley, consuming a large quantity, and, by swaying to and fro 
on the slender stalks and flapping its wings, showers the remainder on 
the ground. In addition to a much varied vegetable diet, the sparrow 
has been known to kill and devour the young of other small birds. Our 
native song and insectivorous birds, viz: the Bobin, Bluebird, Wren } 
Chippy, Song Sparrow, Eed-eyed Vireo and some few others, which 
were formerly plentiful residents in our lawns, parks and gardens, have 
rapidly and steadily diminished since the hosts of pugnacious sparrows 
have appeared. This species is more or less gregarious at all seasons 
of the year. When not engaged in rearing their young they are always 
observed in flocks. In the late summer and autumn they assemble in 
flocks of hundreds and daily repair to the wheat and cornfields in the 
vicinity of cities and towns, where they commit serious depredations, 
that are only checked by harvesting the crops. In 1883 the members 
of the West Chester Microscopical Society, and several farmers’ clubs 
of Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties, recognizing the great 
injury which was being done by this feathered pest, passed resolutions 
and petitioned our Legislature, then in session, to repeal that portion 
of the act of Assembly which made it a misdemeanor to kill the English 
Sparrow. Through the prompt and energetic efforts of Senators A. D. 
Harlan, of Chester county, Thomas V. Cooper, of Delaware county, and 
16 Birds. 





242 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Hon. M. S. Quay, of Beaver county, the law was so amended that the 
killing- of English Sparrows, and the destroying of their nests, eggs or 
young at all seasons of the year is now legalized. 

Genus MELOSPIZA Baird. 

Melospiza fasciata (Gmel.). 

Song Sparrow ; Ground Chippy. 

Description (Plate SO. Fig. 4 ). 

Length about inches; extent about 8^; bill, legs and feet brownish; lower 
mandible paler at base ; general color of upper parts brownish streaked with black¬ 
ish, grayish and different shades of brown ; crown dull brownish with an indistinct 
grayish line in middle; a whitish line over eye from bill to occiput; below white 
or whitish with numerous conspicuous dark-brown streaks on breast, fore-neck and 
sides; a showy black spot in middle of breast. The young are very similar to 
adults but colors duller, more blended and lower parts are more yellowish and the 
streaks are much less in size. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States to the plains, breeding from Virginia and the 
northern portion of the Lake States northward. 

Common resident, but never seen in large flocks. Frequents in the 
summer, fence-rows, shrubbery in swamps, fields and gardens. Although 
this species is found during the summer about bushy, briery and weed- 
grown places along streams, ponds, ditches, etc., it is most abundant in 
these last named localities during the winter. The appellation Song 
Sparrow is given because it is one of our most pleasing songsters. In 
the dreary winter months the melodious voice of this little minstrel is 
about the only bird melody one is apt to hear. The nest, composed 
chiefly of grasses, leaves, weeds, etc., lined with fine grasses and weeds, 
is built on the ground or in a low bush. The eggs, mostly five, vary 
greatly both in size and markings; they are greenish or dull bluish- 
white, variously spotted with different shades of brown, and measure 
about .82 by .60 of an inch. Two, and sometimes three, broods are 
raised in a season. During the breeding season this species feeds to a 
more or less extent on different forms of insects; at other times they 
subsist principally on the seeds of grasses, weeds, etc. 

Melospiza lincolni (Aud.). 

Lincoln’s Sparrow. 

Description. 

A little smaller than the Song Sparrow ; top of head brown, sharply streaked with 
black, and divided in middle by a grayish stripe ; grayish lines from maxilla over 
eyes to occiput; above grayish-olive, rather thickly and sharply streaked with 
black ; belly white and unmarked; a broad band across breast, and also sides in 
some specimens buff or yellowish with numerous small lengthened streaks of black ; 
tail feathers brownish with blackish shafts. 

Habitat. —North America at large, breeding chiefly north of the United States 
and in the higher parts of the Kocky mountains ; south in winter to Guatemala. 









BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


243 


Lincoln’s Sparrow is found in Pennsylvania as a rather rare spring 
and fall migrant, frequenting shrubbery, brush piles, and weedy, briery 
thickets about streams and in swampy grounds. I have taken four 
specimens during the past ten years in eastern Pennsylvania; two early 
in May, one late in September, and the last early in October. Feeds 
on seeds and different kinds of insects. It is a quiet and secretive 
little bird, usually seen singly; only occasionally is it found in com¬ 
pany with other species of sparrows, and if disturbed it seeks safety 
by hiding in the thick undergrowth rather than by flight. 

Melospiza georgiana (Lath.). 

Swamp Sparrow. 

Description. 


Size a little smaller than Song Sparrow ; crown bright chestnut; forehead black ; 
back broadly streaked with black, and most feathers of back edged with brownish ; 
upper surface of wings and tail decidedly rusty ; belly white ; sides, Hanks and tibiae 
brownish; chest and line over eye grayish; the lower anterior parts are usually 
without streaks or spots ; throat whitish with sometimes indistinct blackish streaks. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America to the plains, accidentally to Utah, north to 
British provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador. Breeds from Northern 
States northward, and winters in the Middle States and southward. 

The Swamp Sparrow is retiring in its habits, and, as the name would 
indicate, it is a common frequenter of grassy, weedy and bushy swamps; 
it is also often found about the edges of streams and ponds where weeds 
and grasses grow in abundance. I have never found the nest of this 
species, but from reports received from various naturalists and collectors 
it appears that it breeds sparingly in nearly all parts of the state. The 
Swamp Sparrow occurs as a tolerably frequent winter resident in 
swampy thickets in the southern counties of Pennsylvania. The nest 
and eggs of this bird, as described by different writers, are very similar 
to those of the Song Sparrow. The food is similar to that of other 
birds of the genus Melospiza. 


Genus PASSERELLA Swainson. 


Passerella iliaca (Merr.)* 


Fox Sparrow. 

Description (Plate Si. 


Fig. S.) 


Upper mandible dark, lower chiefly yellow ; legs brown. Readily distinguished 
by its rusty red or ferruginous colors, brightest on the wings, rump and tail; below 
white; upper part of breast, sides of throat and body with triangular rusty spots, 
darkest and most conspicuous on middle of upper part of chest; tips of middle and 
greater coverts forming two whitish wing bars. Length about 7\ inches; extent 
about 115 . 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, west to the plains and Alaska (valley of the 
Yukon to the Pacific), and from the Arctic coast south to the Gulf States. Breeds 
porth of the United States : winters chiefly south of the Potomac and Ohio rivers. 







244 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


The summer home of this large and rusty-coated sparrow is in the 
dreary wilds of British America, from Labrador to Alaska. Their nests, 
we are reliably informed, have never been obtained in the United States, 
where these birds occur only during the spring, fall and winter months. 
With us this species is found as a common migrant in March, April, 
October and November. Occasionally only are small parties, or strag¬ 
gling birds, met with during mild winters in our southern counties. 
While sojourning here they may be observed in flocks, of from eight to 
twenty each, inhabiting humid grounds in bushy places along the road¬ 
side, the edges of woods, banks of streams, ponds, etc., where they dili¬ 
gently ply themselves in searching among the fallen leaves, dead wood 
and decaying grasses for seeds and insects. 

Genus PIPILO Vieillot. 

Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linn.). 

Towhee; Bush-bird. 


DESCRiPTiON(P£a<e 95). 

Bill large and stout; eyes red (adult) and yellowish in young; bill black; legs 
brown. 

Male. —Belly, lower part of breast and patches on outer three or four pairs of tail 
feathers, basal portion of primaries and outer webs of same, white; head, neck, chest, 
back and rest of tail black; sides, flanks and crissum chestnut and brownish. Fe¬ 
male same as male but black replaced by brown. Length about 8| inches ; extent 
about 12 inches. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to the plains. 

Common summer resident from April to November ; rare winter resi¬ 
dent in the southern counties, where a few individuals are occasionally 
seen. This somewhat shy and retiring bird inhabits thickets, clearings 
and woodland undergrowth ; during migrations it also often visits lawns 
and gardens of towns and villages. When migrating southward these 
birds go in small detached flocks; in the spring they come singly or in 
pairs, the males arriving usually a few days in advance of the females. 
The rather bulky nest, made up of leaves, fine twigs, grasses, etc., is 
generally built on the ground in a grass tuft or at the base of thick 
bushes, and so artfully is it hidden that it can oftentimes only be dis¬ 
covered by a most careful search. The four or five white and reddish 
spotted eggs measure each about .95 by .72 of an inch. The several 
terms, Towhee, Che wink, Juree and She wink, by which this bird is 
known, are applied in imitation of its sharp, quick and rather petulant 
cry. From its terrestial habits and conspicuous chestnut-colored sides, 
has arisen the name of Ground-Robin, which, although much less appro¬ 
priate than any of those previously mentioned, is, nevertheless, the one 
by which it is best known in eastern Pennsylvania. The Towhee, an 
indefatigable seed and insect hunter, spends most of his time on the 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


245 


ground, in thickets and brush piles, hunting among the withered leaves 
and dead twigs. Its rustling scratch is often the only indication one 
will have of its presence. In addition to various small seeds and insects, 
Chewinks feed, also, more or less, in the late summer, autumn and win¬ 
ter, on different kinds of small fruits and berries. Occasionally, it is 
said, they visit potato vines and other plants on which the destructive 
Colorado potato-beetle feeds, and devour many of these troublesome 
“bugs.” 


Genus CARDINALIS Bonaparte. 
Cardinalis cardinalis (Linn.). 

Cardinal; Red-bird. 


Description (Plate 84 ). 

Young. — Bill blackish; colors duller; otherwise very similar to adult female. 
The young male soon attains his bright coat. Length about 9 inches ; extent about 12. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, north to New Jersey and the Ohio valley (cas¬ 
ually larther) west to the plains. 

The Cardinal, or Winter Red-bird, as it is generally called, is a rather 
plentiful resident in the lower half of Pennsylvania, but in other sections 
of our state it is found chiefly as a rare or occasional visitor. The showy 
dress, the fine and varied vocal powers of this shy and vivacious whistler, 
are such that it is one of our most common and entertaining cage birds. 
Although usually found inhabiting briery thickets and wooded districts 
in the vicinage of rivers, ponds and swampy localities, these birds, 
mostly in winter, when pressed by hunger, and also occasionally in sum¬ 
mer, when in a measure they lack their usual vigilance and shyness, 
come about our yards, houses and bams in search of food, or to cheer 
and enliven us with their bright presence and pleasing notes. In the 
southern states and elsewhere where Red-birds are much more numerous 
than in Pennsylvania, they at times assemble in large companies during 
the winter in swampy thickets; in midwinter, with us, parties of a dozen 
or fifteen individuals are sometimes observed in similar situations. This 
species is generally seen in pairs, though in the late summer and fall 
the adults and young of the year of a single family are frequently found 
together. The nest, a loosely-built structure composed of twigs, weed 
stems, fibers of grape-vine bark, grasses or other vegetable materials, is 
built in bushes, vines and low trees. I have never found a nest situated 
over six or eight feet from the ground. The eggs, two to four in num¬ 
ber (usually three), are white or bluish-white, spotted with different 
shades of brown. They measure about one inch in length by three- 
fourths of an inch in width. Feeds on seeds of numerous plants, especially 
those of rank weeds and grasses; com, wheat, rye and oats are also eaten. 
They feed more or less on insects, chief among which are beetles, grass- 







246 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


hoppers, crickets, ants, flies and numerous larval forms. Fruits of the 
cedar and mulberry trees, also strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, 
wild grapes and other small fruits may be included among their favorite 
articles of diet. This bird, with its large and powerful bill, operated by 
strong muscles of its head, can readily break into fragments the hard 
grains of maize, as well as the large seeds of different kinds on which it 
subsists. Its known ability in this particular has earned for it, in some 
places, the local name of Red Corncracker. 


Genus HABIA Reichenbach. 

Habia ludoviciana (Linn.). 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Potato-bug' bird. 

Description ( Plate 85, adults and young). 

Length about 8*inches ; extent about 13 inches. Young males in late summer and 
fall have rose and red markings on breast, and under wing-coverts more or less 
distinct. The female has lining of wings and axillaries saffron yellow. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to the eastern border 
of the plains; in winter, to Cuba, Central America and northern South America. 

In eastern Pennsylvania the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is found as a 
regular, though usually not a common, visitant during migrations in May 
and September, when this species is mostly seen in small parties of 
from five to a dozen each. In the spring, while passing northward (they 
breed for the most part north of Pennsylvania), the males arrive nearly 
a week in advance of the females, but in the fall both sexes, according 
to my observation, migrate together. Mr. Benj. M. Everhart, of West 
Chester, says that twenty-five years ago this species was a rather com¬ 
mon summer resident in Chester and Delaware counties, where he has 
repeatedly found their nests, eggs and young. In both of these districts 
the Rose-breasts are now rarely found in the summer time. Although 
these bright-colored* and sweet-voiced songsters have apparently 
abandoned most of their summering resorts, in our eastern districts, 
many of their number find a congenial summer abode in the western 
and north western parts of our state, particularly in Crawford and Erie 
counties, where, my highly esteemed friend, Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, assures 
me, these birds are regular and rather plentiful summer residents, nest¬ 
ing in low trees and bushes. The nest is a thin, flattened structure, made 
up of rootlets, small twigs and dried grasses; the dull greenish-white 
eggs, spotted with brown, are three or four in number and measured about 
one inch by three-fourths of an inch. These birds, while sojourning here, 
frequent chiefly groves and forests; apple orchards and gardens are also 
sometimes visited by them. It is said that in some sections of Crawford 

* Two or three years are, it is said, required before the males acquire their full beauty, and it is also 
stated that the adult males in the late summer and fall lose much of their black and become more or less 
streaked with brownish tints. 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


247 


county where this species resides in summer, many farmers protect 
them because they are great destroyers of “ potato bugs.” A gentle¬ 
man residing, I think, near Meadville, stated at a recent meeting of our 
State Board, that he had often seen these birds in small flocks about his 
potato patch, eagerly devouring large numbers of these vexatious insects. 
Few, if any, of our birds are known to feed regularly on the Colorado 
potato-beetle, and as the Rose-breasted Grosbeak has developed a taste 
in this direction, it should justly rank as one of the best feathered 
friends of the farmer. My personal knowledge of the food-habits of this 
species is limited to examinations made in May, 1882, when these birds 
were, to my great surprise, exceedingly abundant in the woods through¬ 
out various parts of Chester, Lancaster, Franklin, Adams, Delaware and 
I Philadelphia counties. All the birds examined by me were shot in 
woods, feeding mostly on hickory and beech trees, in the neighborhood 
of West Chester, Penna. May 11, six males, on hickory trees, food 
consisted entirely of blossoms. May 12, thirteen birds, eight males, 
three on hickory trees, others on beech trees. All showed blossoms; 
two contained blossoms of the hickory, with those of the beech; the 
remainder had all fed on beech blossoms, except three birds, which had 
in their gizzards small black seeds and some few flat grayish seeds. 
May 13, eleven birds, seven males, all contained blossoms of beech, in 
I addition to which, two males revealed remains of beetles and one of 
them had also eaten a few flies. May 15, eleven birds, ten males, three 
taken on beech and maple trees, had only fed on blossoms; the others 
were found, when first discovered, feeding on the ground in the woods; 
the stomach of one contained simply fragments of a beetle, the rest had 
eaten blossoms and small seeds. May 16, three males, food exclusively 
blossoms. May 17, four birds, three females, chiefly blossoms and small 
seeds, with few larvae, and fragments of beetles. May 19, two birds; 
male, beech blossoms; female had in her gizzard, blossoms, remains of 
i beetles and several wasps. May 20, 23 to 27, inclusive, eleven birds, 
nine females; two males taken on the 20th had fed chiefly on beetles 
| and a few flat cylindrical seeds; the remaining nine specimens were shot 
on various dates, the last being taken on the 27th, when they were found 
to be very scarce. An examination of their viscera showed that in ad¬ 
dition to blossoms and small seeds, they all had fed to a small extent on 
insects, chiefly beetles and flies. 

Genus GUIRACA Swainson. 

Guiraca eaerulea (Linn.). 

Blue Grosbeak. 

Description. 

Bill large and stout like other Grosbeaks; bill dark-bluish black ; legs and feet 
similar; male blue ; brightest on head and darker across middle of back; feathers 
about base of bill, lores, wings and tail blackish ; middle and greater wing-coverts 






.248 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


have reddish-brown tips. Female brownish-yellow, below rather paler than above, 
wings and tail dusky-brown, with, sometimes, faint traces of blue ; two brownish- 
wing bands. Young similar to female. Length about 7* ; extent about 11§; female 
smaller. 

Habitat. —Southern half of the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 
south into Mexico. 

The Blue Grosbeak is a very rare and occasional summer resident in 
southern counties of Pennsylvania. About five j^ears ago, May 10, I 
captured one of these birds in the lower j)art of Chester county; it is 
the only one of the species I have ever seen in the state. The Messrs. 
Baird writing, in 1844, of the Blue Grosbeak, give it as a native and say: 
“A few seen each year in the same place ” (in the vicinity of Carlisle, 
Cumberland county). During recent years, however, according to the 
report of Mr. T. L. Neff, of Carlisle, this species has not been observed. 
Dr. Turnbull (1869) includes it in his list of rare and irregular summer 
visitants in the southern counties of Pennsylvania. Dr. Spencer Trotter * 
mentions the capture of stragglers in Philadelphia and Delaware 
counties. The late Judge Libhart recorded it as a “very rare” visitor 
in Lancaster county, where Prof. H. J. Boddy informs me it has in 
recent years been found as a casual summer resident. In the summer 
of 1884 Mr. W. H. Duller captured a specimen near his home at Marietta. 
Mr. J. F. Kocher writes me that some few years ago he found a nest with 
eggs of this species in Lehigh county. Dr. John W. Detwilier, who has 
devoted careful study to our feathered fauna for the past twenty-five 
years, shot a Blue Grosbeak in the spring near Easton, Northampton 
county; it is the only one he ever met with in the state. Messrs. George 
Miller and Casper Loucks have observed stragglers of this species in 
York county. “ Nest, in bushes, vines or other shrubbery, sometimes a 
low tree, of grasses and rootlets ; eggs, four to five, averaging .90 by .65, 
palest-bluish, normally unspotted; quite like those of the Indigo-bird, 
but larger.”— Coues. 

Genus PASSERINA Vieillot. 

Passerina cyanea (Linn.). 

Indigo Bunting; Green-bird ; Indigo-bird. 

Description (Plate 86). 

Length about 5| inches ; extent about 8| inches. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, south in winter to Yeragua. 

Very abundant from May to October. When they first come, and also 
in the autumn before leaving, these birds are sometimes seen in small 
flocks. The males arrive a few days before the females, and in small 
parties often visit our gardens and orchards, where, in the spring, they 
are frequently to be observed gleaning insects, or devouring the apple- 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


249 


tree blossoms. These birds, although, found in almost every locality, 
are most numerous in briery thickets, open woodland and in bushy 
places along fences and roadways. The nest, composed of leaves, dried 
grasses, etc , is built in low bushes. The eggs are four or five, bluish- 
white and unspotted; seldom are they pure white, and rarely do we find 
them spotted or thinly dotted with reddish-brown, but whatever may be 
their coloration, they measure a little less than three-fourths of an inch 
.long, and a trifle over one-half inch wide. The female with her plain 
brown dress, not unlike some members of the human race when attired 
in “ mother-hubbards ” and calico gowns, always shy and retiring— 
seems ever anxious to elude observation. The male, however, in his at¬ 
tractive and showy garb of iridescent blues, seemingly is conscious of 
his beauty, and appears eager to make his presence known. He perches 
on the tops of high bushes, on the dead twigs and limbs of tall trees, on 
the telegraph wires and fences, to sing his peculiarly vigorous and rapid 
song. The sharp tship of the female never, however, fails to quickly call 
to her side, this vain, noisy yet most devoted partner. Indigo-birds 
feed chiefly on different kinds of small seeds; during the breeding sea¬ 
son many insects are eaten. They subsist also to a small extent on apple 
and some few other blossoms; various kinds of small berries are not 
unpalatable to them. 

Genus SPIZA * Bonaparte. 

Spiza americana (Gmel.). 

Black-throated Bunting; Dickcissel. 

Description. 

This species varies considerably in its markings ; bill and feet grayish-black ; 
length about 6? inches ; extent about 11; female a little smaller ; upper p^rts ashy 
and brownish, the most conspicuous on middle of back, where and also on the scap¬ 
ulars there are black streaks ; top of head tinged with yellowish-green ; line over eye, 
streak from mandible, breast and middle of belly, and edge of wing yellow ; rest of 
lower parts white, except a black throat patch of variable size ; wing-coverts bright 
chestnut; female similar but duller, and black throat patch usually absent or indis- 
| tinct._ 

* Spiza townsendii (Aud.). 

Townsend’s Bunting. From Dr. Ezra Michener’s Birds of Chester county published in 1881, 1 take the 
1 following remarks relative to this species, but one specimen of which has ever been taken, and it is now 
1 in collection of the Smithsonian Institute at Washington, D. C: “This unique bird was obtained by 
i my excellent friend, whose name it bears, in a cedar grove near my dwelling, while assisting me in col- 
I lecting birds in the spring of 1833. We at once pronounced it new. Audubon did the same, and named 
and published it in both of his large works. This curious bird has long been a puzzle to ornithologists 
in the uncertainty whether it is only a variety of S. americana (Black-throated Bunting) or a distinct 
species. Thus far (now more than forty years) but one specimen is known, kindly presented to the 
I Smithsonian Institution by Dr. Michener. 1 do not feel able to decide the question of its true relation- 
I ship to the S. americana. While this uncertainty remains it seems proper that Chester county should 
preserve a record of its history as a guide to future observers. ’’ 

Sp. Ch. — " Male. Upper parts, head and neck all round, sides of body and fore part of breast, slate 
I blue; the back and upper surface ot wings tinged with yellowish-brown; the inter-scapular region streaked 
I with black. A superciliary and maxillary line, chin and throat, and central line of under parts from the 
I breast to crissum, white; the edge of the wing, and a gloss on the breast and middle of belly, yellow. A 
I black spotted line from the lowei; corner of the ower mandible down the side of the throat, connecting 
with a crescent of streaks in the upper edge of the slate portion of the breast. Length 5| inches; alar ex- 
I tent 9; wing 2.80; tail 2.50 inches.”—S. F. Baird. 







250 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Habitat. —Eastern United States (chiefly west of the Alleghanies), west to the 
Rocky mountains, nortli to Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin and Minnesota, 
and south in winter through Central America to northern South America. 

Tolerably common summer resident from May until about 1st of Sep¬ 
tember in some sections of the southeastern, southern and western coun¬ 
ties of Pennsylvania; rare, or at least not reported to occur, in the north¬ 
ern counties or the mountainous regions of the state. The nest, of weeds, 
grasses, etc., is usually placed near the ground in weeds or bushes; eggs, 
four or five in number, are pale blue; they measure about .80 by .60. 
The Dickcissel feeds on seeds and sometimes on small berries, and in 
the summer he destroys numerous kinds of insects. 

Family TANAGRIDAC. Tanagees. 

Genus PIRANGA Vieillot. 

Piranga erythromelas Vieill. 

Scarlet Tanager ; Black-winged Red-bird. 

Description ( Plate 87). 

Length about 1\ ; extent about 12 ; wing about ; tail about 3 inches. Bill bluish 
or brownish-yellow ; legs and feet lead color; iris brown. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, west to the plains, and north to southern Canada. 
In winter the West Indies, Central America and northern South America. 

The Scarlet Tanager, one of the most brilliant of our forest birds, is 
about the size of the common bluebird. The wings and tail of the adult 
male are glossy black; body and other parts bright scarlet. The female 
is a greenish-yellow color, with wing and tail feathers dark brown. This 
description applies to full plumaged adults as we find them in the spring i 
and early summer. Both sexes are, however, subject to great variations 
in plumage, and particularly is this variation noticeable in the male 
birds. It is stated that in the autumn the male loses its bright feathers 
and is found in a livery similar to that of the female. While I am not 
prepared to say that such a transition occurs during the “ fall molt,” I 
am inclined to believe that this change does take place. During the 
late summer months and early autumn, or for a period of about six weeks 
before the tanagers leave Pennsylvania, I have made repeated and 
most diligent search to find adult males in which the scarlet feathers 
predominated, as is invariably the case with the males in spring, but 
have failed. Although it is true I have seen two or three males early in 
August with a few scattered feathers or “ patches ” of scarlet, I have 
found the plumage of the males, late in August and in September, to be 
the same as that of the females, except that in the males certain of the 
long wing and tail feathers were black. The presence of these dark 
primaries or tail feathers will, it is my opinion, with rare exceptions, 
enable you to determine the sex.* 

*The only proper way to determine the sex is by dissection. This is true not only of the Tanager. but 
all other birds. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


251 


This species arrives in Pennsylvania sometimes, though rarely, as 
early as the last week in April; usually it comes about May 9. Tana- 
gers, except when they pay occasional visits to cherry or mulberry trees, 
on the fruits of which they feed to a limited extent, are seldom found 
away from favorite retreats in the forests. The forests and groves, par¬ 
ticularly oak groves, in which streams of water are found, are the favorite 
resorts of this species. The nest, a loosely built structure, composed of 
twigs, roots or stems of various weeds, is usually placed on the horizon¬ 
tal limb of a small tree, preferably beech ( Fagus ), about ten or twenty 
feet from the ground. Eggs, three to five, mostly four, pale greenisln 
blue, spotted with different shades of brown, measure about .95 by .65. 
While the nests are nearly always built in the depths of the woods, I 
have observed they frequently are seen overhanging a cart-road or un¬ 
frequented path, when such a passage-way exists in the woods. I have 
often discovered the nests of this species, and, notwithstanding the fact 
that neither the nests or contents were disturbed, have noticed that the 
birds would always follow me to the edge of the woods, and occasionally 
some distance beyond, uttering their peculiar chirp churr. When tan- 
agers thus absent themselves from the nests, it not unfrequently hap¬ 
pens that the thieving and omnivorous Blue Jay robs them of their con¬ 
tents. Mr. B. M. Everhart has known instances where the jays, after 
devouring the eggs or young tanagers, have torn up the nests. 

Tanagers, during the summer residence with us, feed principally on 
various forms of insects, and to a very small extent on fruits, such as 
cherries, strawberries, huckleberries, etc. 

The stomach contents of twenty-nine of these birds are given in the 
following table: 


No. 

DATE. 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

1 

May 6. 1880, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles.* 

2 

Mav 17, 1880, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles.* 

3 

May 18, 1880, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles (on maple tree). 

4 

May 19. 1880, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles.* 

5 

May 19. 1880, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles.* 

6 

Sept. 15, 1880. . 

Westchester, Pa.. . . 

Grasshoppers. 

7 

May 20, 1882, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles and spiders.* 

8 

May 20. 1882, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles and spiders.* 

9 

May 20, 1882, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles and flies.* 

10 

May 20. 1882, . 

East Bradford, Pa.. . . 

Beetles and spiders.* 

11 

May 20. 1882, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles and flies.* 

12 

May 12, 1883, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Few flies and small worms (taken on cherry tree). 

13 

May 12. 1883, . 

East Bradford, Pa., . . 

Beetles (taken on maple tree). 

14 

May 14, 1883, . 

Chester county, Pa., 

Beetles, flies and few small green worms (on oak tree. ) 

15 

May 14, 1883, . 

Chester county. Pa., 

Beetles chiefly, with traces of other insects.* 

16 

Mav 14. 1883, . 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Beetles.* 

17 

May 14, 1883, . 

Chester county, Pa., 

Beetles.* 

18 

May 14, 1883, . 

Chester county. Pa., . 

Beetles.* 

19 

May 25, 1883, . 

West Goshen. Pa. 

Black beetles and other insects (taken on walnut tree). 

20 

May 25, 1883. . 

Willistown, Pa., .... 

Flies and beetles.* 

21 

May 25, 1883, . 

Willistown, Pa. 

Flies and beetles.* 

22 

May 7, 1883, . 

Chester county, Pa., 

Beetles and flies. 

23 

May 7, 1883, . 

Chester county, Pa. 

Beetles and flies. 

24 

June 4, 1884. . 

Chester county, Pa., 

Beetles and other insects. 

25 

June 4, 1884, . 

Chester county, Pa., 

Unrecognizable insect mass. 

26 

June 14, 1884, . 

Chester county. Pa., . 

Cherries. 

27 

June 14, 1884, . 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Cherries. 

28 

June 17, 1884, . 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Beetles, flies and butterfly. 

29 

June 17, 1884, . 

Chester county, Pa., . 

Beetles and other insects. 


* All taken on hickory trees. 


























252 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


May 18, 1882, I shot seven adult males feeding in oak ( Quercus) and 
hickory {Caryd) trees, and found all to have fed exclusively on coleop- ( 
terous insects {beetles). On May 13, 1883, I killed thirteen tanagers, 
twelve being adult males, in a large woods on the property of William 
Williams Jr., Willistown, Pa. The birds were all shot in the forenoon 
and while feeding in the maple {Acer) and hickory {Carya) trees. An 
examination of the stomachs of this series of birds, made by myself and 
Mr. Williams, showed that black-colored beetles and no other food had 
been taken. 


Piranga rubra (Linn.). 

Summer Tanager. 


Description. 


Is a trifle larger than the Scarlet Tanager. The adult male is a “ rose-red ” or ver¬ 
milion color ; wings and tail feathers are same color as body (unexposed portions 
of wing feathers, also ends of primaries and secondaries, dusky); adult female is 
greenish or brownish-olive above, lower parts lighter. This bird, like the Scarlet 
Tanager, is subject to great variations in plumage. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, north regularly to southern New Jersey, Ohio, 
Illinois, etc., casually north to Connecticut and Ontario, etc., and accidentally to 
Nova Scotia. In winter south to Cuba, Central America, etc. 

The Summer Tanager is a very rare and irregular summer visitor in 
Pennsylvania. May 25, 1876, I saw a pair of these birds, and October 
10, 1889, I saw a female, all in West Chester. Early in April these tan¬ 
agers arrive in Florida from their wintering resorts in the tropics. 
Food similar to that of the Scarlet Tanager. 

Family HIRUNDINID.5C. Swallows. 

THE SWALLOWS. 

Swallows feed exclusively* on insects. They consume myriads of flies which so 
pester our horses and cattle, or sorely vex the tidy housewife. They have a lively 
and not unmusical twitter, but no song. Swallows are remarkable for their socia¬ 
bility at all times ; they migrate in flocks, sometimes numbering thousands, and 
nest together often in large companies. Living as they do almost constantly on the 
wing, they visit nearly every locality, generally, however, when feeding and mi¬ 
grating, they frequent mostly ponds, rivers, streams and watery places in fields and 
meadows, where various kinds of winged insects are so plentiful. They frequently 
are seen to stop for an instant to drink and bathe when skimming over the water’s 
surface. In clear weather these birds often ascend to high elevations in the air, but 
in dull weather, particularly before rains, they fly low and sail close to the ground. 
With the exception of two species, all our swallows lay pure white and unspotted 
eggs. The eggs of these two species, the Clift" and Barn Swallows—are white, 
speckled or spotted with reddish-brown, and so alike are the eggs of these two birds, 
that they cannot with absolute certainty be distinguished apart. The usual comple¬ 
ment of eggs of each of our species is five, sometimes six, but very seldom do we 

* In two instances I have found in the stomachs of Tree Swallows a few seeds, apparently of berries : 
possibly this species sometimes feeds on small fruits. 









BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


253 


I tind three or a less number deposited when incubation is begun. The Purple Martin 
builds a nest of hay, straw, leaves, feathers, etc., in boxes provided for them about 
houses and buildings ; occasionally with us this species breeds in holes in trees. Its 
eggs average a little under one inch in length, and about three-fourths or a little less 
in width. The Barn Swallow nests mostly in the interior of barns, where, on a beam 
or rafter, near the top of the roof, it builds a large bowl-shaped nest (not covered 
< over the top as is the Cliff Swallow’s) of mud, grasses and feathers. The mud used 
to cover the exterior, and in fact make up the greater part of the nest, is collected 
by the birds, along the edges of streams, ponds and in muddy places in fields and 
roads, and conveyed in small rounded masses on the top of the upper mandible, 
j The eggs measure about .77 long by .55 of an inch wide. The Cliff" Swallow with us 
nests under the eaves of barns and other out-buildings. It never, I think, in this 
state breeds about rocks or cliff's, as it does in uninhabited regions. The nest is 
! built of small mud pellets, warmly lined with feathers or other soft materials, and 
in this region is hemispherical in shape, with a small hole in front or on the side, or 
sometimes, but not usually, I think, retort-shaped or bottle-like in appearance, with 
the opening built out, often several inches from the body of the nest. The eggs are 
very similar in size to the those of the Barn Swallow, from which they are said to 
differ in being less elongated. The Bank and Rough-winged Swallows excavate 
holes in sand banks, along streams, deep railroad cuts, wagon roads, etc., in which 
they build loosely made nests of grasses and feathers. The Rough-winged, with us 
breeds usually in the interstices of stone abutments of bridges or in the holes of old 
stone barns or similar structures. The eggs of this last named species are possibly 
a trifle larger than those of the Bank Swallow, which measure about .70 long and 
about .50 of an inch in width. The Tree Swallow builds in holes of trees and stumps, 
or in bird boxes. The nest is similar to those made by Bank and Rough-winged 
Swallows. Its eggs are about the same size as those of the Rougli-winged species. 

“ Primaries nine. Bill triangular, depressed, about as wide at base as long ; the 
gape twice as long as culmen, reaching to about opposite the eyes ; tomia straight or 
gently curved ; no obvious rictal bristles. Tarsi not longer than the lateral toe and 
claw. Wings long and pointed, the first primary equal to or longer than second. 
Middle tail feathers not half as long as the wing.” 


Genus PROGNE Boie. 

Progne subis (Linn.). 

Purple Martin. 

Description ( Plate 58). 

Length 8; extent 16 inches ; bill black, mouth inside yellow ; eyes brown ; legs 
dark brown; closed wings, extend beyond the tail which is decidedly forked. 

Aclult male. —Glossy blue-black ; wings and tail feathers above black, more or less 
glossed with blue-black ; under portions of wings and tail feathers dark-brown. ' 

Adult female. —Dull-brown above, glossed with blue-black, brightest on back of 
head and middle of back ; loral spaces and auricular feathers dark-brown or black; 
forehead, and narrow stripe about hind neck, grayish-white; belly and under tail- 
coverts white ; rest of under parts dull grayish-white, darkest on the sides. 

Young. —Both sexes quite similar to female, though the males are mostly darker. 
Immature males, with blue-black feathers singly or in patches, are common. About 
three years, it is believed, are required for the male to attain his full dress. 

Habitat. —Temperate North America, south to Mexico. 

Common resident from early in April to about the middle of August; 
they arrive in spring, singly, in pairs or small flocks. Late in August 








254 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

these birds collect in flocks (numbering’ sometimes several hundred each), 
which for a brief period linger about meadows along rivers or other 
large bodies of water, and then wend their way southward. Since the 
advent of the prolific English Sparrow, martins have abandoned many 
of their nesting-places in towns and cities. Dr. John R. Everhart, of 
West Chester, Pa., appreciating that his flock of chattering martins was 
rapidly diminishing before the advances of the sparrows, some few years 
ago erected in his yard a large pole with cross-pieces, from which were 
suspended, by brass wire chains, each about eighteen inches long, a 
number of boxes, in which the martins, also wrens and bluebirds, nest 
without any trouble from their common feathered enemy The sway¬ 
ing motion of these pendant boxes appears to frighten the sparrows, as 
not one has ever been observed to alight on or enter them. 

“The martin differs from all the rest of our swallows in the particular 
prey which he selects. Wasps, bees, beetles, particularly those called 
by boys Goldsmiths , seem his favorite game. I have taken four of these 
large beetles from the stomach of a Purple Martin, each of which seemed 
entire, and even unbruised.”— Wilson. 


Genus PETROCHELIDON Cabanis. 
Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say.). 

Cliff Swallow. 

Description (Plate 54 , adults and nests). 

Length about ; extent about 12 inches; tail nearly even or very slightly forked ; 
bill black ; legs and eyes brown ; top and back of head, back and a spot on throat 
lustrous blue-black ; wings and tail blackish, slightly glossed ; grayish-brown band 
on hind neck ; forehead white or light-brown ; chin, throat and sides of head dark 
chestnut, rump same, but lighter ; breast brownish-yellow, whitening on the belly. 
Sexes similar; the young, although generally duller in colors, greatly resemble the 
adults. 

Habitat .—North America at large, and south to Brazil and Paraguay. 

Common summer resident; generally distributed throughout the 
state. Breeds mostly in colonies of from twenty to forty individuals; 
sometimes, however, as many as fifty or seventy-five nests are found 
together. Although I have known these birds to breed, for three con¬ 
secutive seasons, under the eaves of long sheds in a cow-yard, I am in¬ 
clined to think that they usually breed but one season in the same place. 
The Cliff Swallow arrives here about the last week in April and disap¬ 
pears early in September. This bird when flying can easily be dis¬ 
tinguished from other swallows by its almost even tail feathers and the 
conspicuous rusty-colored rump. During migrations this species is 
found in greatest numbers in the vicinity of rivers, ponds and lakes. 

I am indebted to Dr. H. D. Moore, of Somerset county, for the follow¬ 
ing interesting letter relative to nest building of the Cliff Swallow 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


255 


(P etrochelidon lunifrons ) in Pennsylvania in December: “ New Lexing¬ 
ton, Pa., January 1 , 1890.— * * * I wrote you on the 28th ult. that 

it was reported to me that the Cliff Swallows were building at a farmer’s 
barn some six miles away. I investigated the matter by going there 
myself to see if the report was correct. I saw the nest, but the swallows 
had gone on last Saturday, probably driven away by the sparrows. The 
farmer, John Shaff, and his daughter told me that they first noticed the 
birds on the 23d of December, and they were already building. They 
commenced to build on the foundations of old nests. They had one nest 
completed and two others partly done. During all last week the tem¬ 
perature never ranged below 40° nor above 65°. In an open winter 
like this one it may not be unusual, in some parts of the state, for swal¬ 
lows to make their appearance in midwinter; but, as far as I can learn, 
they were never seen here before in December. * * * I have often 

seen nests with the opening from three to five inches long. Sometimes 
this neck is fastened to the ceiling in a horizontal line, and at other times 
it is curved slightly downward.” 


Genus CHELIDON Forster. 

Chelidon erythrogaster (Bodd.). 

Barn Swallow. 

Description ( Plate 54 , adults and nest). 

Length about 6f inches ; extent about 12' 2 inches ; bill and nails black ; eyes very 
dark brown ; legs and feet light brown ; above glossy steel-blue, with concealed white 
on middle of back; wings and tail feathers viewed from above blackish, glossed with 
greenish and violet hues ; tail very deeply forked ; inner webs of all tail feathers, ex¬ 
cept two middle ones, have showy white spots ; outer tail feathers much longer and 
narrower towards the ends than others; imperfect steel-blue color on upper part of 
breast; forehead, chin, throat and a space on under tail-coverts, deep chestnut; rest 
of lower parts lighter reddish-brown. 

Young. —Duller and paler than the adults ; and the lateral pair of tail feathers are 
also much shorter. 

Habitat. —North America in general, from the Fur countries southward to the 
West Indies, Central America and South America. 

The Barn Swallow is so named because it usually nests in barns. This 
bird, like the preceding species, arrives here late in April and departs 
about September 1. This swallow, either when at rest or on the wing, 
may be recognized by its deeply-forked tail, which, if viewed from below, 
shows a broad white band, most conspicuous when the bird is flying. 






256 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus TACHYCINETA Cabains. 
Tachycineta bicolor (Vieill.). 

Tree Swallow ; White-bellied Swallow. 


Description ( Plate 38). 


Length about 6 inches ; extent about 13 inches ; tail slightly forked ; bill black ; 
legs and iris brown ; lores black ; above glossy metallic-green ; wings and tail black¬ 
ish, with faint greenish gloss ; lower parts entirely white. 

Young , colors are duller and toes somewhat yellowish. 

Habitat .—North America at large, from the Fur countries southward, in winter, to 
the West Indies and Central America. 


The Tree Swallow, when flying* or at rest, can easily be distinguished 
from all other of our swallows by its dark-colored back and pure white 
under parts. This species arrives here late in March or early in April, 
and leaves in September. Common and very g-enerally distributed 
during migrations; as a summer resident seems to be most frequent 
about rivers and other large bodies of water. From numerous reports 
before me it is learned that this swallow breeds more or less regularly 
and rather sparingly in nearly every county in the state. Referring to this 
bird in Lycoming county, my friend Prof. A. Kock writes in a letter of 
recent date substantially as follows: It used to breed readily in boxes, 
but not since the sparrow nuisance has been introduced from England. 
Have observed the female Tree Swallow enter the dry limbs of high trees 
(buttonwood) on our river islands. Think we have more some years 
than others. 






Genus CLIVICOLA Forster. 

Clivicola riparia (Linn.). 

Bank Swallow; Sand Swallow. 

Description {Plate 90). 

Smallest of all our swallows ; length about 5, extent about 12^ inches; bill black ; 
legs brownish ; iris dark-brown ; tail short and slightly forked ; lower part of tarsus 
feathered behind ; above grayish-brown; beneath white, with a broad band across 
the breast, same color as on back ; wings and tail dark brown. 

Habitat .—Northern hemisphere; in America, south to the West Indies, Central 
America and northern South America. 

Common summer resident at many points along Delaware, Susque¬ 
hanna and other large streams. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


257 


Genus STELGIDOPTERYX Baird. 
Steigidopteryx serripennis (Aud.). 

Rough-winged Swallow. 

Description. 

Rather larger than the last; bill, legs and eyes same color as the Bank Swallow ; 
above grayish-brown ; lower parts similar, though paler, gradually whitening on 
the belly; edge ot first primary rough to the touch, by the outer web being con¬ 
verted into a series ot still recurved hooks. The design of this peculiar wing struc¬ 
ture is not clearly known. It has been suggested that these hooks “assistthe birds 
in crawling into their* holes, and in clinging to vertical or overhanging surfaces.”— 
Coues. 

Habitat. —l nited States at large (in the Eastern States north to Connecticut), south 
to Guatemala. 

The Bank and Rough-winged Swallows arrive here about the first 
week in April and remain with us until about September 1. Both spe¬ 
cies frequent the same localities, being found generally in the neighbor¬ 
hood of rivers, large creeks and mill-dams. These birds are not only 
alike in habit, but they also greatly resemble each other in size and 
colors. The Bank Swallow has a white throat and a dark band across 
the breast. The Rough-winged has a uniform mouse-colored throat and 
breast. These throat and breast markings will sometimes enable you 
to recognize the birds in life. Should you, however, desire to positively 
determine these two species, my advice would be, take your gun and 
shoot them. After doing this you will know the Bank Swallow by a 
tuft of feathers on the tarsus, near the insertion of the hind toe. An 
adult Rough-wing (particularly if an old male) has the first wing quills 
furnished with a number of saw-like hooks, from which originate the 
common name, likewise the technical one, serripennis , but as the imma¬ 
ture Rough-winged Swallows lack these curious hooks, look at their legs— 
a Rough-winged Swallow has no feathers on the leg just above the 
hind toe. 

Family AMPELID^l. Waxwings. 

THE WAX WINGS.* 

Two birds of this family are found in Pennsylvania. The Cedar-bird is a com¬ 
mon resident and occurs in all partsof thestate, butthe Bohemian Waxwing isavery 
rare and irregular visitor from the north, and is usually seen here only in exces¬ 
sively severe winters. Waxwings are nearly always observed in flocks. The sexes 
are alike ; the tails are tipped with yellow. The wings are long and pointed ; first 
quill very short; second and third longest; the under coverts extend almost to the 
end of the even tail; the wings and tips of some tail feathers in many individuals are 
often furnished with horny appendages, like red sealing wax ; bill broad, short, 
wide at base, notched and slightly hooked at tip. Feet rather small and weak ; 
three toes in fr ont and one behind. _ 

* Dr. Coues (Birds of Colorado Valley) referring to the “sealing-wax” appendages of the secondary 
quills of birds of this genus, says they “ have been subjected to chemical and microscopical examination 
by L. Stieda, and shown to be the enlarged, hardened and peculiarly modified prolongation of the shaft 
itself of the feather, composed of central and peripheral substances, differing in the shape of the pigment 
cells, which contain abundance of red and yellow coloring matter. ” 

17 Birds. 









258 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 




Subfamily AMPELINjSE. Waxwings. 

Genus AMPELIS Linnaeus. 

Ampelis garrulus Linn. 

Bohemian Waxwing. 

Description. 

Length 7£ inches; wing 4|; tail 2|. Bill (dried skin) bluish-black; legs black; 
general color ashy or grayish-brown, palest on rump, upper tail-coverts, breast and 
abdomen ; forehead, a spot at base of lower jaw, and under tai Leo verts brownish or 
chestnut; a narrow frontal line, chin and upper part of throat, and a showy streak 
starting in front and extending back of eye and meeting its fellow of opposite side, 
black ; wings and tail feathers bluish-black ; the tail quite blackish immediately in 
front of yellow tip ; primary coverts and outer webs of secondaries have white tips 
(and in specimen before me also red wax-like appendages), outer webs of several pri¬ 
maries edged with white and yellow. Head with a conspicuous crest; feathers 
about vent white ; no yellow on belly. 

Habitat. —Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, south 
in winter, irregularly, to the northern United States. 

Very rare and irregular winter vistor. I have a specimen which was 
captured some few years ago (midwinter) in a pine forest in the northern 
part of Elk county, where a flock of about twenty, it is stated, were 
seen. Stragglers of this species have also been taken at irregular in¬ 
tervals, during the past twenty-five years, and reported to me by the 
following named gentlemen: Dr. John W. Detwiller, Northampton 
county ; Dr. W. Yan Fleet, Clinton county; B. C. Wrenshall, Allegheny 
county; H. W. Williams, Lackawanna county, and H. J. Eoddy, Lan¬ 
caster county. 


Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill.). 

Cedar Waxwing ; Cedar-bird ; Cherry-bird ; Quaker-bird. 

Description (Plate 39). 

Length about inches; extent about 12; wing under 4; tail 2^ ; head crested; 
general color reddish-brown, deepest towards the front; rump and upper tail-coverts 
ashy ; belly yellow ; under tail-coverts white, and line of same on side of lower bill, 
between black of chin and the black line extending from behind and in front of 
eyes, and about base of maxilla ; primaries and tail grayish lead color ; tail tipped 
with yellow, and immediately back of this yellow the tail is almost black ; the outer 
webs of several primaries have silvery edgings ; no white or yellow spots on wings, 
but secondaries may or may not have red horny ends to the shafts. 

Young duller than adults, and streaked with brownish, especially on breast and 
sides. Bill blue-black; legs black ; iris brown. 

Habitat .—North America at large, from Fur countries southward. In winter 
south to Guatemala and the West Indies. 

The Cedar or Cherry-bird, as this species is best known in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, is an abundant resident. These birds, except in the breeding 
time (from about the last of June to the first of August), are always 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


259 


found in flocks, which in many sections seem most numerous in May 
and the first two weeks in June. The somewhat flat and rather bulky 
nest, composed of small twigs, roots, grasses, bits of string, feathers or 
other soft materials, is built in trees in groves and orchards, particularly 
apple orchards. The eggs, usually five in number, are dull bluish-gray 
spotted and blotched with black and brownish. They measure about 
.90 by .65 of an inch. Cedar-birds fly in compact flocks, and when they 
alight huddle close together on the limbs and twigs. They apparently 
prefer to light on dead branches of trees, and in the spring, or when they 
visit cherry trees, this habit is frequently taken advantage of by the 
observing farmer, who fastens to a long pole a dead branch, with numer¬ 
ous small twigs, and fixes it in the fruit tree so that the entire branch 
will project above the tree top, then stationing himself near by he can 
shoot the birds as they alight, without injuring, with shot, the tree or its 
1 ripening fruit. Some few years ago two farmers, residing near West 
| Chester, killed one day in this manner over one hundred and fifty Cherry- 
I birds, shooting from seven to twenty at each discharge. These birds, 
as their common names would signify, subsist chiefly on a fruit and 
berry diet; the many varieties of cultivated cherries, mulberries, whor¬ 
tleberries, wild grapes, berries of the gum, cedar and mountain ash, also 
the fruit of the poke plant, are its favorite food. In the spring they 
often visit orchards and gardens to feed on insects or devour portions 
of the apple blossoms. Cherry-birds are very expert flycatchers and 
they also destroy great numbers of caterpillars. Nuttall writing of this 
species says although a small portion of the gardener’s cherry crop is 
destroyed “ they fail not to assist in ridding his trees of more deadly 
enemies which infect them, and the small caterpillars, beetles and vari¬ 
ous insects now constitute their only food ; and for hours at a time they 
may be seen feeding on the all-despoiling canker-worms, which infest 
our apple trees and elms. On these occasions, silent and sedate, after 
plentifully feeding, they sit dressing their feathers, in near contact on 
the same branch, to the number of five or six; and, as the season of 
selective attachment approaches, they may be observed pluming each 
other, and caressing with the most gentle fondness. This friendly trait 
is carried so far that an eye-witness assures me he has seen one among 
a row of these birds seated upon a branch dart after an insect and offer 
it to his associate when caught, who very disinterestedly passed it to 
the next; and, each delicately declining the offer, the morsel has pro¬ 
ceeded backwards and forwards before it was appropriated.” 

Family LANIIDiE. Shrikes. 

THE SHRIKES. 

Two species and one geographical “race ” of this family occur in Pennsylvania. 
The Northern Shrike, although recorded by Dr. W. P. Turnbull and some few other 
observers as a summer resident “on the mountain ridges of the Alleghanies,” does 





260 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


not I am quite positive ever breed within our limits. It is found as a breeder in 
in North America beyond the northern United States. The Shrike, or Butcher¬ 
bird as it is usually called, which breeds here, and is common, especially in the 
northwestern part of the commonwealth, is the Loggerhead, that in many instances 
I have found is mistaken for borealis. The Northern Shrike, although occurring 
more or less regularly in all parts of the state in winter, is more numerous in the 
northern tier of counties, and in the mountainous regions than elsewhere. In 
Cameron, Potter, Elk and Susquehanna counties, this, the largest Butcher-bird—a 
rather plentiful winter visitor about orchards, fence-rows and tields—is termed 
by many “Little Gray Hawk.” The name of Butcher-bird is given to the species 
because of the curious habit they have of impaling their prey on thorns or sharp- 
pointed twigs. They subsist mainly on large insects (beetles and grasshoppers), 
and they likewise devour small birds—particularly sparrows—mice and other 
small mammals. Butcher-birds are rather stout, heavy and liawk-like in appear¬ 
ance. While it is true that they kill a good many small wild birds, and even 
sometimes boldly attack cage-birds, they merit our protection as their dietary* is 
mainly made up of noxious insects ; and the Northern Shrike, which devours more 
small birds than the others, kills many mice as well as insects, and he also preys 
considerably on English Sparrows. The bulky nest is generally built in thorny trees 
or bushes; eggs four to seven, dull white, spotted with light brown, purplish or 
olive. The eggs of ludovicianus measure .97 long by .72 wide, those of the variety 
excubitorides are about the same size, and the eggs of borealis are a little over 1 inch 
long by about f wide. 

“Bill very powerful, strong, and much compressed, the tip abruptly hooked, 
deeply notched, and with a prominent tooth behind the notch ; both mandibles dis¬ 
tinctly notched, the upper with a distinct tooth behind, the lower with the point bent 
up. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, strongly scutellate. Primaries, ten ; 1st pri¬ 
mary halt the 2d, or shorter. Wings short, rounded ; tail long and much graduated. 
Sides of tarsi with the plates divided on the outside.” Bill and feet bluish black; 
eyes dark brown. Sexes are alike ; the bill is less than an inch long. In some con¬ 
ditions of piumage it is impossible to distinguish the Loggerhead from the White- 
rum ped. 

Genus LANIUS Linnaeus. 

Lanius borealis Vieiil. 


Northern Shrike; Great Northern Shrike; Butcher-bird. 

Description {Plate 96). 

Length about 1(H inches ; extent about 14 ; tail aboutl^ ; wing 41 ; tarsus 1 ; above 
pale bluish-gray, whitening on upper tail-coverts andscapulars, and some specimens 
have upper parts faintly tinged with pale rusty; below whitish (sometimes tinged 
with pale brown), breast and sides “ waved” with dusky or grayish lines ; lores and 
a broad streak back of eye black ; wings and tail blackish ; the primaries are white 
from base to about half their length ; nearly all tail feathers have white tips and 
outer webs of lateral ones are white. 

Habitat. —Northern North America, south in the winter to the middle portions ot 
the United States (Washington, D. C., Kentucky, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona, etc.). 

The Northern Shrike is more common in the upper than the lower 
half of Pennsylvania, where it is as a winter resident from November to 
April, frequenting* briery thickets, thorn hedges and grassy tields near 

* In 1885 I collected a dozen or fifteen Loggerhead Shrikes in Florida, and two of them were stained 
about the face, with what appeared to be juices of mulberries or other soft fruit; possibly this species 
feeds sometimes on berries, etc. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


261 


trees and bushes. They sometimes visit towns and prey on English 
Sparrows. Shrikes feed chiefly on grasshoppers and beetles, and when 
these are not easily obtained they subsist on mice and small birds. The 
Northern Shrike, assassin-like, will conceal himself in bushes and imi¬ 
tate the cries of other birds, and when they come sufficiently near his 
ambush he will, to their great consternation, fly into their midst and 
seize one of their number. 

# 

Lanius ludovicianus Linn. 

Loggerhead Shrike; Buicher-bird. 

Description {Plate 96). 

Length about 9 ; extent 11| ; wing 4; tail 4 ; tarsus 1.03 ; above slate colored ; scap¬ 
ulars, rump and upper tail-coverts lighter; below white; pale grayish on sides ; 
some specimens have lower parts partly waved with dusky lines, but others, especially 
full plumaged adults lack these lines ; feathers about nostrils, lores, broad streak 
bdck of eye, and below the eye also, bill and legs (old birds) black ; wings and tail 
black ; tips of secondaries and basal half of primaries white ; and tail feathers are 
marked with white as in borealis. The young and immature birds differ consider¬ 
ably from the adult as above described, but they have a sufficient resemblance to be 
identified by comparison with plate and description. 

Habitat. —More southern portions of eastern United States ; north regularly to 
southern Illinois, central Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, etc. In eastern and 
central Pennsylvania this species and also excubitorides is seldom met with. 

The Loggerhead Shrike is a common summer resident from late in 
April until about the middle of September, in Erie and Crawford coun¬ 
ties. It is said to breed, sometimes, in Lawrence and Mercer counties ; 
but in other sections of the state this bird, and also the White-rumped 
Shrike, has been observed, so far as I can learn, only as an irregular 
visitor during migrations, especially in the fall. The following remarks, 
with relation to this Butcher-bird, as it is called in the Erie region, are 
taken from my note book: “ Erie city, May 20, 1889. To-day Mr. Geo. 
B. Sennett and I drove out about three miles east of the city ; on the 
road shot three adult shrikes (two males and female), and secured their 
nests and young. Both nests w r ere built in thorn trees ; one nest in a 
field near the edge of a woods, contained four young, two or three days 
old, and two eggs. This nest was placed eight feet from the ground, 
and constructed of small twigs, dried grasses, and plant fibers with an 
abundance of feathers and cotton. The other nest was situated about 
four and a half feet from the ground, directly over a cdw-path in a 
meadow; it had evidently been disturbed as it was insecurely placed, 
being partly turned over. This nest, containing two half fledged males, 
was composed almost entirely of plant-fiber and chicken feathers ; a few 
small twigs only being on the outside ; measures inside of cavity four 
and one-half inches wide and two and one-half inches in depth.” 

“ Erie, May 21, 1889. To-day Mr. Sennett and I found three nests of 
shrikes east of the city, all were built in thorn or wild crab apple trees 





262 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


along the roadside, and were from ten to twelve feet above the ground. 
One nest contained five fresh eggs ; parent bird setting on nest. When 
I was securing this nest and eggs the old birds flew near me uttering 
sharp, rasping cries. The notes of the young shrikes are not unlike the 
squeak of a mouse. Indeed, my friend Mr. Sennett, yesterday when I 
was killing the young we had captured, stepped on a strap, and hearing 
the squeaky voices of the birds in my hand, thought at first that he had 
trod on a mouse. When taking the nests of shrikes which contained 
young, the old birds were quite bold, and when the squeaky cries of the 
young were heard, they flew directly at my head, but after finding it im¬ 
possible to drive me away by these attacks they alighted close by, and 
remained silent witnesses to the despoliation of their treasures, which 
were soon secured by me, and then both the old birds were shot. When 
feeding these birds repair to fence-rows, bushes in fields and along the 
margins of woods or thickets; they also frequent grass fields and mead¬ 
ows and perch on fences or tall weeds, and they likewise visit plowed 
grounds in quest of food. They sometimes hover over their prey in a 
manner very similar to the Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius). The race 
known as the White-rumped Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides , 
Swains.), is very similar to the Loggerhead, from which it differs chiefly 
in being paler above, more like borealis , and with whitish rump and 
upper tail-coverts ; and it is stated that the wings, tail and tarsus average 
a little longer, and the bill a trifle smaller than in the Loggerhead. 


Family VIREONID.®. Vireos. 

THE VIREOS OR GREENLETS. 

These birds frequent chiefly woods and thickets, yfet some, particularly the Red¬ 
eyed and Warbling, are common during migrations about yards and gardens in 
towns. Both of these species also often breed in the trees of parks and gardens. 
The Vireos are rather plainly attired, and were it not for their delightful and musi¬ 
cal notes, they would much oftener escape our notice than they do; few of our woods’ 
birds are equal to them as songsters. They live almost constantly in the leafy 
retreats of trees and shrubbery, rarely, if ever, do they rest on the ground. They 
subsist almost exclusively on insects, chief among which may be mentioned flies, 
spiders, beetles and various larvae; in the late summer and autumn some species ! 
feed to a small extent on a few kinds of berries. We have in Pennsylvania six 
species, viz: the Red-eyed, Warbling, Blue-headed, Yellow-throated, White-eyed 
and Philadelphia Vireos, and all, with the exception of the Philadelphia Vireo, are 
common as summer residents or spring and fall migrants. Their beautiful cup¬ 
shaped, or basket-like and pendulous nests, are composed of pieces of bark, lichens, 
rootlets, fine grass stems, bits of paper, t etc., and suspended from forked twigs. 
Vireos nest in trees and bushes, usually in groves or forests; some build close to the 
ground ; others erect their pensile homes on the highest twigs of tall forest trees. 
Their elongate-ovate eggs, commonly five, are white, thinly speckled or dotted, 
usually about the larger end with black or brown. They measure generally a little 
more than three-fourths of an inch long by half an inch wide. The Red and White¬ 
eyed Vireos breed abundantly with us, and in a large proportion of their nests, 
especially in nests of the Red-eyed species, you will find Cowbirds’ eggs or young. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


263 


The Red-eyed, Philadelphia and Warbling Vireos (subgenus Vireosylva Bonap.) 
have no wing bands, but the White-eyed, Yellow-throated and Blue-headed species 
(subgenus Lanivireo Bd.) have two distinct wing bands formed by white tips of 
middle and greater coverts. The feathers of upper parts are greenish-olive of differ¬ 
ent shades ; the top of head in some is similar to the back, but in others the top of 
head is more or less plumbeous. The lower parts are whitish or yellowish or both ; 
eyes brown, except in the Red and White-eyed species, and even the young of these 
have brownish irides. The legs and feet are generally dark lead color, and the bills 
are similar but paler below. The sexes are alike, and the young are not very ma¬ 
terially different; size small, the white-eyed (smallest) is about 4| inches long and 
the Red-eyed (largest) is about inches in length. The short, straight, stout and com¬ 
pressed bill has a slightly curved culmen, and it is notched and rather abruptly 
hooked at tip. AVings pointed or rounded (very slightly) and equal to or longer than 
the even tail. Primaries 10; the first much the smallest; third or fourth quills longest. 
Four toes, three in front and one behind ; claws much curved and sharp; short basal 
joint of middle toe wholly adherent to both outer and inner toes; tarsus rather slen¬ 
der and longer than middle toe with claw. “ Next after the Warblers, the Greenlets 
are the most delightful of our forest birds, though their charms address the ear and 
not the eye. Clad in simple tints that harmonize with the verdure, these gentle 
songsters warble their lays unseen, while the foliage itself seems stirred to music. 
In the quaint and curious ditty of the White-eye—in the earnest, voluble strains of 
the Red-eye—in the tender secret that the Warbling Yireo confides in whispers to 
the passing breeze—he is insensible who does not hear the echo of thoughts he never 
clothes in words.”— Coues. 

Genus VIREO Vieillot. 

Vireo olivaceus (Linn.). 

Red-eyed Vireo. 

Description ( Plate 40 ). 

Largest of the genus. Length about ; extent about 10^ inches; bill blackish 
above, below bluish-white; feet and legs lead color; iris red ; back, rump, upper 
parts of wing and tail feathers olive-green ; sides of head and neck paler ; crown 
dark-ash, edged with a blackish line; a well-defined whitish line from nostril over 
the eye and back of it; a dusky stripe through the eye ; under parts white, shaded 
on the sides and tail-coverts with greenish-yellow, brightest on the under wing- 
coverts and crissum. Tail and wing feathers blackish, edged on the outside with 
greenish-yellow, with whitish on inside. 

Young. —Irides plain brown or reddish-brown ; ash of crown less distinct; grayish- 
yellow rather than greenish above, but the sides, under wing and tail-coverts are 
quite brightly colored. 

Habitat.— Eastern North America, to the Rocky mountains, north to the Arctic 
regions. 

The Red-eyed Yireo is a common summer resident from late in April 
to the last of September. In this state it is much more abundant than 
any other of the Vireos. In summer the voice of this agile, fluent and 
tireless songster is heard on almost every hand in forests and groves. 
This bird is a most devoted foster-parent, feeding and guarding the 
clamorous young Cow-bird with the same care and solicitude that it be¬ 
stows upon its own offspring. Indeed, sometimes it seems that they 
are even more attentive to the noisy, red-mouthed Cow-birds than they 
are to their own young. The Red-eyed Yireo, like others of the family, 






264 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


subsists chiefly on insects, which he captures on the wing, or secures 
while gleaning among the branches and leaves. In the late summer 
and autumn months he feeds, more or less, on raspberries, mulberries, 
pokeberries and wild grapes. His white shirt-front is often soiled with 
the bright juices of the fruits on which he feeds. 

Vireo philadelphicus (Cass.). 

Philadelphia Vireo. 

Description. 

Length about 4.90; extent 8|; tail2* ; wing2*; tarsus about.64; bill, along culmen, 
.40. Very similar to gilvus, but bill is smaller and not nearly so stout as in latter 
bird; no spurious primary as in gilvus ; chin and belly white, rest of lower parts 
pale sulphur-yellow, brigheston throat and breast; above dull olive-green, grayish- 
blue on crown with faint greenish tint; rump brighter than back ; white line from 
base of maxilla over eye ; indistinct whitish spot below eye; blackish spot in front 
of eye. 

Habitat.— Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of United States north 
to Hudson’s Bay ; south, in winter, to Costa Rica. 

The Philadelphia Yireo is a regular but rather rare spring and fall 
migrant, arriving here late in April or early in May, and after the 20th 
of May it is seldom seen in Pennsylvania until it migrates southward in 
September. Prof. August Kock, of Williamsport, informs me that he 
is under the impression that this bird breeds occasionally in the mount¬ 
ainous regions of Lycoming county; and Mr. T. L. Neff gives it in his 
list as a probable breeder in Cumberland county. This bird is found 
generally in woods about the borders of streams. The Philadelphia 
Yireo, although similar to the Warbling, can be recognized from the 
latter by its usually brighter under parts, and although it has a resem¬ 
blance to the White-eyed species, it has not, like the last named, whitish 
wing bars. Its song is very much the same as that of olivaceus. 

Vireo gilvus (Yieill.). 

Warbling Vireo. 

Description. 

Length about ; extent about 9; wing 2£ ; tail 2.20; tarsus .69 ; bill stout, very 
much like a Red-eyed Vireo, and from back part of nostril to end along culmen 
about .50 ; similar in color to philadelphicus , but upper parts are more grayish and 
paler ; general color of lower parts white ; sides, flanks and under tail-coverts, and 
part of breast tinged with pale-yellow ; the spurious first quill measures about five- 
eighths of an inch in length. 

Habitat.— North America in general, from the Fur countries to Mexico. 

The Warbling Yireo is found in Pennsylvania as a common summer 
resident from the last week in April until late in September; in the 
southern part of the state I have taken specimens as late as October 10. 
This delightful songster is rarely seen or heard in the depths of the 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


265 


forest, but in groves, along the borders of streams, in orchards, parks 
and gardens he is common. Its nest is usually built at a considerable 
height in trees. 


Vireo flavifrons Vieill. 

Yellow-throated Vireo. 

Description (Plate 19). 

Length about ; extent about 9£ ; wing 3 ; tail 2| ; bill about .50 long and rather 
stout. Dusky spot in front of eye, a yellowish loral streak ; ring around eye, chin, 
throat and breast bright yellow; top of head, back and sides of neck, and upper 
part of back decided olive-green ; tertials edged with white; lower parts of back, 
rump, tail-coverts (above) and lesser wing-coverts ashy; belly to end of lower tail- 
coverts pure white ; sides a little grayish ; no spurious quill ; first and fourth quills 
equal in length. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, south in winter to Costa Rica. 

This species is most common as a spring and fall migrant, arriving 
here late in April and departing in September. It breeds sparingly or 
irregularly in nearly all sections of the state, but is, apparently, much 
more frequently met with in the mountainous and elevated woodland 
regions, particularly in the northern counties, than elsewhere as a sum¬ 
mer resident. During migrations I have observed these bright yellow- 
throated songsters, which, although smaller, resemble somewhat the 
noisy Chat, in orchards, in trees along sidewalks and in lawns. Usually, 
however, this vireo is to be found high in trees of forests in the vicinity 
of streams. In the Eastern states this species is said to build in orchards, 
about buildings, as well as in woodland. In Pennsylvania the Yellow- 
throated Yireo always, I have found, breeds in woods, and commonly 
builds its lichen-covered abode twenty-five, thirty or forty feet above the 
ground. In the late summer, fall and winter months this bird feeds fre¬ 
quently on small berries. 

Vireo solitarius (Wils.). 

Blue-headed Vireo. 

Description. 

Length about inches ; extent 9 ; wing 2.90; tail 2£. Top of head, portion of neck 
behind, and sides of head leaden-gray ; rest of upper parts, including rump and tail- 
coverts, olive-green ; edges of some wing feathers and lateral tail feathers edged 
with greenish-white and whitish ; below white ; sides, flanks and crissum greenish- 
yellow and yellow, the latter paler on axillars and about crissum; spurious quill 
well developed, being about one-third as long as second; white ring around eye, 
white loral line, and a dusky spot below the latter. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States to the plains. In winter south to Mexico and 
Guatemala. 

The Blue-headed Yireo, like the species last described, is an inhabitant 
of woodland. It arrives here usually a few days before the Yellow- 




266 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA ,, 


throated, and in the fall is seen some seasons as late as the middle of 
October. I have usually found this vireo in the lower branches of trees 
or in high bushes. Sometimes this bird is shy, but usually it can be 
approached without any trouble. I have seen these birds several times 
in the summer months in the mountains of Blair, Centre and Elk coun¬ 
ties, but never found nests. My friend, Prof. A. Kock, to whom I am 
indebted for much valuable information concerning our feathered fauna, 
says it is a common breeder in Lycoming county. Mr. T. L. Neff, Cum¬ 
berland county, Prof. H. J. Roddy, Perry county, have found it breed¬ 
ing, and in the mountainous regions of Lackawanna county Mr. H. W. 
Williams has observed it as a regular summer resident. The beautiful 
cup-shaped nest of this bird is suspended from a forked twig “ in under¬ 
growth or lower branches of small trees in woods.” 

Food consists chiefly of insects, but in late summer, fall and winter 

small berries are also fed upon. 

/ 

Vireo noveboracensis (Gmel.) 

White-eyed Vireo. 

Description. 

Length 5 or a little less ; extent about 8 ; wings 2| or a little less; tail about 2. Spu¬ 
rious quill well developed, about half as long as the second, and similar to it also in 
shape ; wings rather rounded ; a yellow stripe from base of maxilla joins yellow ring 
around eye, in front of which is a dusky spot; above bright olive-green ; the hind 
neck (posterior half of head also in some specimens) ashy ; throat, upper part of 
breast white (grayish-white in some specimens), belly white and under tail-coverts 
white with yellow tint; sides and axillars bright yellow ; eyes white, in young 
brownish. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, west to the Rocky mountains, south in winter 
to Guatemala. Resident in the Bermudas. 

The White-eyed Vireo is a common summer resident, very generally 
distributed, in suitable localities, throughout the state, from late in 
April until sometimes the last week in October. The other species of 
this family inhabit chiefly woodland areas, but this curious white-eyed, 
inquisitive, scolding, unsuspicious, shrill-voiced, and vehement songster, 
resides in thickets and tangled undergrowth, along the edges of woods, 
etc., usually in the vicinity of water. In different sections of Pennsyl¬ 
vania where green briers and blackberry bushes abound, there you will 
generally find the White-eye. This, like the two species last mentioned, 
is a familiar winter resident in Florida, where I have observed them 
feeding on palmetto berries, mulberries and different kinds of insects. 
When in Pennsylvania the White-eye subsists mainly on an insect diet, 
like that of his near relatives, and in the summer he feeds to some ex¬ 
tent on blackberries, raspberries, etc., the juices of which often stain 
the feathers around the bill. The swaying nest, quite large for the size 
of its irritable owner, is hung from a forked twig in a bush or tree, and 
is mostly about four, six or eight feet from the ground. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


267 


Family MNIOTILTID^E. Wood-Warblers. 

THE WOOD-WARBLERS. 

Nearly forty species and subspecies of this family have been observed during recent 
years in Pennsylvania, either as spring and fall migrants, summer residents or strag¬ 
gling and accidental visitors. Sometimes, though not often, during mild winters—gen¬ 
erally in November or December—solitary Myrtle, Yellow Palm and Pine Warblers, 
particularly the Myrtle, are found in sheltered localities (to the southward) mostly 
in company with some of the sparrow tribe. I have, on two occasions, seen Yellow- 
rumps with Chickadees, and once, late in November, I shot a Pine Warbler in a 
cedar tree where a small flock of Waxwings and two or three Robins were feeding. 
The birds of this group, with a few exceptions, are small—averaging about 5 inches 
in length and 8 inches in extent—neat and trim in build, active, energetic in move- 
; ment, and entertaining in song. They have brown eyes, and their slender, naked 
tarsi, in species, not otherwise particularized in the descriptions, are brownish. The 
usually blackish, and in most species slender, tapering, and awl-like bill will greatly 
aid in recognizing a warbler from members of the following families : Fringillidce 
(bill conical, commissure more or less angulated); Vireonidce (bill distinctly notched 
and hooked); Tanagridce (bill stout, much like a sparrow’s, with lobe and tooth 
near middle of commissure); Hirunclinidce (bill short, broad, flat and gape reaching 
Lto eyes). The Redstart (S. ruticilla ), Hooded (& mitrata ), Canadian (Y. canaden¬ 
sis}, and Wilson’s (& pusilla ) flycatching warblers, have long stiff rictal bristles 
i and wide (at base) bills, slightly notched and somewhat hooked like the Tyrannidce. 
This flycatcher-like bill is most perfect in the Redstart ; but the similarity of bills 
in these birds need give the beginner no concern as the showy dress of these warb¬ 
lers is greatly different from that of the Tyrannidce. Less than a dozen species of 
this family are generally dispersed throughout the state during the summer season, 
but in some localities, particularly in the timbered and higher mountain ranges, 
other species reside and rear their young, often in such secluded places, that our 
most enthusiastic, tireless and successful field-naturalists have, in many instances, 
failed to discover the nests. From repeated visits which I have made in June, July 
and the early part of August, to the pine, hemlock and hard wooded forests, or in ex¬ 
tensive laurel thickets, and about the numerous ravines and bushy, swampy places, 
along the sinuous, placid or turbulent streams in our mountainous regions, I am 
quite confident that several species which are commonly recorded as breeding con¬ 
siderably north of the Keystone commonwealth, breed regularly, though sparingly, 
within our limits. 

The following list on the next four pages gives names of species which are posi¬ 
tively known to nest in Pennsylvania, and others that are believed, from evidence 
which is deemed sufficient, to breed occasionally, at least, within our borders. 

One* indicates species whose nests, eggs or young (not fully grown) have been 
taken by the author. 

Two** indicate species which have been seen during the breeding season by the 
author, but the nests, eggs or young have not been taken by him. The other species 
included in the list are mentioned on the authority of different observers, to whom 
credit is given in the column headed “ Remarks.” 

A indicates column to which the bird belongs. 

The fifth column contains a condensed description of nesting materials, which are 
generally used, the sites chosen, etc. 

Descriptions of eggs of all species, and nesting materials and breeding sites of those 
marked (R) have been compiled from Ridgway’s Manual of N. A. Birds. 








268 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


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272 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


When migrating the males come, particularly in spring, in advance of the females; 
the majority migrate at night, flying usually at a considerable elevation. Certain 
members of this family are remarkable for the melody of their song, many species 
which migrate north, penetrating, as some do, even the Arctic solitudes to rear their 
young, are said to possess most exquisite vocal powers. 

Although several species are ground nesters, and live chiefly on the ground, and 
some others construct their abodes near mother earth, on which they often are seen, 
the majority of this family inhabit trees, bushes and shrubbery. Some, especially 
most species of Dendroica , are found usually in trees or bushes, and seldom do they 
visit terra firma; and certain warblers inhabit almost continually the leafy branches of 
high forest trees, where they actively engage in the pursuit of divers forms of insect 
life. 

During migrations many of these birds are common visitors to the orchards and 
shade trees about the habitations of man. The Oven-bird, one of our most common 
summer birds, in hilly and dry places in the dusky recesses of woods, spends most 
of his time on the ground, but frequently, when disturbed, and often when singing, 
he perches on the low limbs of trees and bushes. The Water and Louisiana Thrushes, 
often perch on low limbs and twigs, on logs, etc., but they are mainly terrestrial, and 
may be looked for about swamps, pools and streams in dark woods and thickets. The 
Parula Warbler is generally seen in the tops of high forest trees during migrations ; 
and the Maryland Yellow-throat, a common frequenter of shrubbery and underbrush, 
frequently is found in company with other warblers in orchards, where all render 
efficient service. The Kentucky Warbler, which could readily be mistaken for the 
Maryland Yellow-throat, by a careless observer, I have never seen in orchards, and 
rarely, if ever, is it observed high in trees, although it often alights in low bushes. 
The favorite abiding place of the Kentucky is in swampy thickets, or low moist 
situations in woods. He especially delights to hide among the leaves of the Skunk- 
cabbage (Symplocarpus f(fiditus). The loquacious but active Yellow-breasted Chat, 
an inhabitant of briery thickets and tangled undergrowth, often repairs to high 
branches of trees to sing his loud and varied song. The insect-like song of the Blue¬ 
winged Warbler, very similar to the notes of the Grasshopper Sparrow, will fre¬ 
quently enable you to detect its source in the top of a sapling or high bush, of a thicket 
or in a tree along the edge of a forest or in open woods. The Black and White Warbler, 
like a Nuthatch or Brown Creeper, may generally be seen circling round the trunks 
and limbs of trees, in woods and swamps, and when migrating this little warbler not 
unfrequently visits orchards, trees in lawns, gardens and parks. Water Thrushes, 
the Palm, Yellow Palm Warblers and Oven-bird, by their peculiar jerking motions, 
often remind one of some of the sandpipers or the American Pipit. As you catch a 
glimpse of the Maryland Yellow-throat, and hear his sharp note, as he vanishes in 
the thick undergrowth, you are reminded of certain peculiarities so characteristic of 
wrens. The Parula and Pine Warblers, are often seen to hang downward, like the 
titmice when feeding, and the ever active Redstart in some ways is not unlike the 
Tyrant Flycatchers. 

While it is true that a large number of the warblers included in our fauna breed 
regularly, in suitable localities, in some portion or other of the state, the members 
of this family are far more numerous during migrations (usually in May and Sep. 
tember) than at any other time; and some seasons different species will often be 
noticed to be much more plentiful than in corresponding seasons in other years. 
Primaries nine; wings long and pointed, and longer than the almost even tail, except 
in the genera Geothlypsis and Tcteria. The Maryland Yellow-throat, Chat and 
Mourning Warbler have shortish and rounded wings. The bill is, usually, quite 
straight and acute, and shorter than the head; in many of these birds the bill is 
slightly notched toward the tip but not hooked. Some have prominent rictal bristles, 
others have none. In the genus Dendroica the conical attenuated bill, compressed 
in the middle and distinctly notched near the end is furnished with short, but generally 
distinct, bristles at base. All this family have four toes, three in front, one behind ; 
claws small, sharp and curved. Referring to these birds Dr. Coues says: “With 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


273 


tireless industry do the warblers befriend the human race; their unconscious zeal 
plays due part in the nice adjustment of nature’s forces, helping to bring about that 
balance of vegetable and insect life without which agriculture would be in vain. They 
visit the orchard wheu the apple and pear, the plum, peach and cherry are in blos¬ 
som, seeming to revel carelessly amid the sweet-scented and delicately tinted blos¬ 
soms, but never faltering in their good work. They peer into the crevices of the 
bark, scrutinize each leaf, and explore the very heart of the buds, to detect, drag 
forth, and destroy those tiny creatures, singly insigniticant, collectively a scourge, 
which prey upon the hopes of the fruit-grower, and which, if undisturbed, would 
bring his care to nought.” Warblers subsist almost exclusively on insects, such as 
flies, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, plant-lice, and various kinds of larvae. 

The Myrtle, Audubon’s, Tennessee, Yellow Palm and Pine Warblers, sometimes, 
though rarely in this region, feed on small fruits, at least it is supposed they do, from 
the fact that I have found in the stomachs of each of these species, which were shot 
in the fall or winter months, small seeds of fruits. 


Genus MNIOTILTA Yieillot. 

Mniotilta varia (Linn.). 

Black and White Warbler; Black and White Creeper. 

Description {Plate 92). 

Bill rather long ; maxilla very slightly curved ; very short rictal bristles. Black 
above streaked with white ; below whitish streaked with black or dusky ; two white 
wing bars; two pairs outer tail feathers with v r hite spots on inner webs near end. 
Length about 5^ ; extent about 8| inches. 

Habitat .—Eastern Uniied States to the plains, north to Fort Simpson, south in 
winter, to Central America and the West Indies. 

The Black and White Warbler arrives in Pennsylvania about the last 
week in April and remains sometimes as late as October 20. Toler¬ 
ably common and generally distributed throughout the state during 
migrations. Breeds quite generally throughout the commonwealth, but 
in summer is seldom seen anywhere except in the woodland where it 
rears its young. The nest, usually more or less embedded in the ground, 
is mostly so carefully hidden by dead leaves that its discovery is fre¬ 
quently only made accidentally. Three nests which I have found have 
all been placed on hillsides in open woods near water. Two of these 
nests had been visited by Cow-birds, as one contained two foreign eggs, 
and the other had a young Cow-bird with the young of the warblers. 
The food of this species consists chiefly of small beetles, spiders, flies, 
larvae, and Mr. Gentry says, earthworms also constitute a share of its diet. 

Genus PROTONOTARIA Baird. 

Protonotaria citrea (Bodd.). 

Prothonotary Warbler. 

Description. 

The black bill is long (a little shorter than head), sharp and distinctly notched, and 
without bristles ; Avings long and pointed ; tail nearly even. Head and under parts 

18 Birds. 





274 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


yellow ; lower tail-coverts, lining of wings, some feathers about anus and inner webs 
of most tail feathers white ; rest of upper parts generally olive green, wings and tail 
lead color. Length about 5§; extent about 9g. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, chiefly southward ; in winter, Cuba and Central 
America. 

Yery rare and irregular visitor. A few specimens, probably about ten, 
have been captured during the last twenty-five years in the southeastern 
part of the state. I have taken two specimens, one in midsummer the 
other in May, in Chester county; a few individuals have been taken at 
irregular intervals either in spring, summer or fall in Philadelphia and 
Delaware counties. A male of this species, in the museum at Lancaster 
city, was taken some years ago in Lancaster county, in the summer. 


Genus HELMITHERUS Rafinesque. 

Helmitherus vermivorus (Gmel.). 

Worm-eating Warbler. 

Description {Plate 94 ). 

The bill nearly as long as head, is quite large, stout and sharp-pointed ; maxilla 
blackish-brown; lower mandible, also legs and feet much lighter in color; the 
rictal bristles absent; bill unnotched. Plumage of upper parts greenish-olive ; 
head has seven longitudinal stripes, to wit: two black on crown, divided by a 
brownish-yellow mediam stripe, on either side of these black stripes extending 
from nostrils back over and beyond are brownish-yellow stripes (one on each side) 
and back of the eye is a black stripe (each side) alongside of crown ; dusky spot in 
front of eye; upper surface of wings and tail olivaceous; lower surface paler; tail 
and wings unmarked; lower parts pale brownish-yellow or buffy, palest on chin 
and middle of belly; sides very similar to back but less greenish. Length (male) 
about 5^ ; extent 8£ ; wing about 3; tail about 2; bill a little over .60; tarsus .70. 
The female is usually a trifle smaller. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, north to southern New York and southern New 
England, south in winter to Cuba and Central America. 

The Worm-eating Warbler arrives in Pennsylvania about the first 
week in May and remains here until September. I once captured a 
specimen in Dauphin county on the 15th of September, and another in 
Franklin county on the 20th of September, but usually the bird is sel¬ 
dom seen here after the first of the month named. This warbler is 
generally found on or near the ground. I have never seen one high in 
trees, but have often observed them in bushes or on the lower limbs of 
trees. I believe that two broods are frequently reared in a season in 
this locality. During its residence with us this interesting and unsus¬ 
picious haunter of thickets and woods is very generally dispersed through¬ 
out the state, but in no section of the commonwealth does it occur more 
plentifully than in the southeastern counties, especially in portions of 
Chester county, where, doubtless, more nests and eggs have been taken 
by Messrs. Thomas H. Jackson, Josiali Hoopes and Samuel B. Ladd, 
all of West Chester, Penna., than in any other (perhaps all other parts) 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


275 


part of tlie country. The first authentic account which we had of the 
nest and eggs of this species was published* by Mr. Thomas H. Jack- 
son, of West Chester. This account, with a few additional remarks, 
have been kindly given to me by Mr. Jackson, and are as follows: 

“ On the 6th of June, 1869, I found a nest of this species containing 
five eggs. It was placed in a hollow on the ground much like the nest 
of the Oven-bird (Seiurus aurocapillus) and was hidden from sight by 
the dry leaves that lay thickly around. The nest was composed exter¬ 
nally of dead leaves, mostly those of the beech, while the interior was 
prettily lined with the fine thread-like stalks of the hair-moss (. Poly - 
trichium). Altogether it was a very neat structure, and looked to me as 
though the owner was habitually a ground-nester. The eggs most 
nearly resemble those of the White-bellied Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 
though the markings are fewer and less distinct. So closely did the 
female set that I captured her without difficulty by placing my hat over 
the nest. During the twenty years following the finding of this nest I 
have probably found and examined fifty others, and none of them vary 
in any important particulars from the original nest. Every one has 
contained the hair-moss lining, though the eggs, when examined in 
series, show a wide degree of variation.” 

The stomach contents of fifteen of these warblers which I have ex¬ 
amined consisted chiefly of remains of beetles, spiders and larvae. 


Genus HELMINTHOPHILA f Ridgway. 

% 

Helminthophila pinus (Linn.). 

Blue-winged Warbler; Blue-winged Yellow Warbler. 

Description (Plate 19). 

Bill and legs (dried skins) former blue-black, the latter dark-brownish. Top of 
head, most of sides of same, chin, neck in front, breast, sides and belly rich yellow; 
black patch in front of eye and a narrow black streak behind it; under tail-coverts 
mostl v white ; wings have two white (or whitish in some specimens) bars. Rest of 
upper parts olive-green, brightest on rump ; the inner webs of three outer tail 
feathers are more or less extensively marked with white ; the general color of upper 
j surface of wings and tail is slate or pale bluish-gray. Female and young very simi- 
, lar but duller. 

Length (male) 5; extent 7 \; wing ; tail 1.80. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, from southern New York and southern New 
| England southward. In winter, Mexico and Guatemala. 

This beautiful little warbler usually arrives in Pennsylvania early in 
May, but I have on two or three occasions seen individuals in Chester 
county as early as the 27th of April. The Blue-winged Warbler is a 
common summer resident in southeastern Pennsylvania, where it re- 


* Am. Nat.. Vol. 3, December. 1869. p. 556. 

t Birds of this genus have elongated, conical, very acute and unnotched bills, the outlines of which are 
nearly straight; no rictal bristles; tail nearly even or slightly emarglcate. 










276 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


mains until about the first week in September. It appears from my 
own observations, as well as from the reports received through various 
observers, that this species is quite rare, or not found in most of the 
northern counties, and it also seems to be unknown in the higher mount¬ 
ainous districts. I have seen or heard these birds during the summer 
months in Crawford, Erie, Mercer, Lawrence, Beaver and Washington 
counties, where I have no doubt they breed sparingly at least. In July, 
1889,1 saw two with young in Clarion county, along the Clarion river. 
When the apple and pear trees are in blossom these yellow-vested in¬ 
sect hunters, singly, or in pairs, frequently visit orchards and gardens, 
but at other times they rarely, according to my observation, are seen 
about the habitations of man. They prefer to dwell in sequestered 
thickets, and bushy places in open woodland, and commonly their sum¬ 
mer home is in the vicinity of a swamp or near a stream. Like the 
Worm-eating Warbler, this species subsists, to a considerable extent, on 
spiders, larvae and beetles. 


Helminthophila chrysoptera (Linn.). 

Golden-winged Warbler. 


Description. 

Size about the same as H. pinus. Female very similar to male but duller. Bill 
(dried skin) black ; legs dark brown. 

Male .—Crown and large wing patch (wing-bars) golden-yellow; rest of upper 
parts slaty-blue; below white or whitish ; showy stripe on side of head, front and 
back of eye, and patch on chin, throat and fore part of breast, black—the broad eye- 
stripe is bordered above and below with white; inner webs of three lateral tail- 
feathers mostly white ; the sides of body are pale grayish or ashy. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States; Central America in winter. 

The Golden-winged Warbler arrives in Pennsylvania late in April or 
early in May from its winter home in the tropics. This bird, although 
a regular migrant both in spring and fall, is one of the group which is 
regarded as being particularly rare and desirable to the collector. I am 
inclined to believe that this warbler, occasionally at least, breeds in the 
western part of our state. July 27, 1889, I saw two of these birds 
in a swampy piece of woodland along the Allegheny river in Armstrong 
county, and on the 30th of the same month I killed a male feeding on 
the ground in a bushy thicket along the Ohio in Beaver county. The 
late Prof. S. F. Baird obtained one of these warblers in the early part of 
July in the vicinity of Carlisle, Cumberland county, and Mr. Boddy of 
Lancaster county, has, he informs me, observed it in summer. When 
migrating the Golden-wings, like many others of the family, visit or¬ 
chards, but usually these warblers are to be found in thickets or woods. 
Three of these birds which I have examined had in their stomachs 
beetles, spiders and larvae. 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


277 


Note.— Dr. Spencer Trotter, formerly of Philadelphia, now residing at Swarth- 
more College, Delaware county, mentions (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, II, 1877, pp. 79-80) 
the capture of a male Brewster’s Warbler (II. leucobronchialis, Brewst ) bj 7- 
Christopher D. Wood, “May 12, 1S77, in an apple orchard near Clifton, Delaware 
county.” Although I do not now have the data at hand, my impression is that since 
tho date above mentioned one other example of this possibly tenable species has 
been captured in southeastern Pennsylvania. Personally, I am unacquainted with 
this bird, concerning which the following is quoted from Dr. Coues’ Key , p. 293: 
“ Like H. chrysoptera : but a black bar through the eye as in pinus, and lacking the 
black breast patch of chrysoptera , the entire under parts being white; thus 
chrysoptera X pinus, and doubtless a hybrid between the two, though up to date al 
dozen or more specimens have been described, from New England, New York, 
Pennsylvania and Michigan.” 


Helminthophila ruficapilla (Wils ). 

Nashville Warbler. 


Description. 

Length to 5 but generally less than 5 ; extent about ~l\ <yhe average of five speci¬ 
mens in flesh); wing a little less than 2§ (six specimens average 2.37); tail little 
under 2 (about 1.90). Bill (dried specimens) brownish (mandible and edges of 
maxilla paler); tarsi brownish ; feet lighter. No wing-bars or no white patches on 
tail feathers ; lores yellowish (sometimes ashy or grayish) but not black ; no super¬ 
ciliary stripe, but a conspicuous yellowish-white ring around eye. Plumage of 
upper parts olive-green, brightest on rump ; upper surface of wings (on most coverts 
and edges of outer webs) and outer webs of tail feathers above (especially edges) 
similar to rump but a little paler; neck behind, sides of head, sides of neck and 
upper part of back, ashy-gray ; top of head similar, but the ashy-gray tips of feathers 
of crown when pushed aside reveal a chestnut patch. Edge of wing, chin, throat, 
breast, and under tail-coverts yellow ; belly paler ; sides greenish-yellow. 

Habitat.— Eastern North America to the plains, north to the Fur Countries, breed¬ 
ing from the northern United States northward. Mexico in winter. 

This species usually is first seen in the southern part of Pennsylvania 
about the 10th of May; often in orchards, but generally about bushes, 
thickets or in open woodland, in the vicinity of streams and ponds. 
When migrating in the fall the Nashville Warbler is found here from 
about the middle of September until, some seasons, as late as the middle 
of October. In spring I have mostly observed these birds singly or in 
pairs, sometimes in company with other species, but generally by them¬ 
selves. In the fall they are usually seen in small parties, and are then 
often with other warblers. Willow trees along streams and on the 
banks of ponds, appear to be their favorite feeding resorts, as they 
leisurely migrate southward. I believe this species breeds sparingly in 
our higher mountainous regions. Food similar to that of other species 
of its genus. 





278 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Helminthophila celata (Say.). 

Orange-crowned Warbler. 

Description. 

“Above grayish olive-green, rather brighter on the rump. Beneath entirely 
greenish yellowish-white, except a little whitish about the anus; the sides tinged 
with grayish-olivaceous. A concealed patch of pale orange-rufous on the crown, 
hidden by grayish tips to the feathers. Eyelids and an obscure superciliary line 
yellowish-white, a dusky streak through the eye. Inner webs of tail feathers broadly 
edged with white. 

“ Female with little or none of the orange on crown, and the white edgings to inner 
webs of tail feathers. 

“ Young lacking the orange entirely, and with two fulvous-whitish bands on the 
wings. Length 4.70; wing 2.25 ; tail 2.00.”*— Hist. N. Am. B. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America (rare, however, in the northeastern United 
States), breeding as far northward as the Yukon and Mackenzie river districts, and 
southward through the Rocky mountains, and wintering in the south Atlantic and 
Gulf States and Mexico. 

The Orange-crowned Warbler occurs in Pennsylvania as a very rare 
and irregular straggler, during the spring and fall migrations. A fine 
male was shot by the late C. D. Wood, November 2, 1867, in Bucks 
county. Dr. Spencer Trotter records f the capture of a specimen in 
Philadelphia county. I have never met with this species. 

Helminthophila peregrina (Wils.). 

Tennessee Warbler. 

Description. 

Length 4.71 (average of four adult males); extent 71 (two males); wing 2.65 
(average four males); tail 2 or a little less. The female is a trifle smaller. Bill 
(dried specimens) maxilla blackish; mandible paler; legs blackish, feet brownish- 
yellow. Upper parts olive-green, brightest on rump; top and sides of head and 
neck, more or less ash-gray in some specimens ; below chiefly white ; lores dusky ; 
a whitish ring around eye, and a line of same above it; outer tail leather has an 
obscure white spot on edge of inner web near end. Specimens taken in the fall have 
most of ash-gray of head and neck replaced with olive-green, and the lower parts, 
except under tail-coverts and patches on abdominal region which are white, are 
greenish-yellow. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, breeding from northern New York and 
northern New England northward to Hudson’s Bay territory ; Central America in 
winter. 

The Tennessee Warbler, according to my observation, is found in 
eastern Pennsylvania as a very rare straggler during the spring migra¬ 
tion, but in the autumn (September) it is often common, frequenting 
apple orchards, woods and thickets. Although sometimes found quite 
plentifully as an autumnal sojourner in the eastern portions of the state, 
I do not regard it as a regular fall migrant east of our principal mount- 

*• ‘Average of five adult males: wing2.50; tail 2.04; culmen .41. Average or' two adult females: wing 
2.34; tail 1.98; culmen 40 ."—Ornithology of Illinois, p. 129, 

+ Bull Nut. Orn. Club. Vol. IV 1879. p. 235. 









BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


279 


ain ranges, as some seasons none of this species are to be observed. 
From reports received from observers in the western counties of Penn¬ 
sylvania beyond the Alleghanies, I find that the Tennessee Warbler is 
mentioned as a regular migrant both in the spring and fall. When 
found here these warblers are seen generally in flocks and are often in 
company with other species. In addition to feeding on different forms 
of insects, especially plant-lice and small beetles, the Tennessee Warbler 
also occasionally eats small seeds and berries. 

Genus COMPSOTHLYPIS Cabanis. 
Compsothlypis americana (Linn.). 

Parula Warbler; Blue Yellow-backed Warbler. 

Description {Plate 97). 

Bill rather stout, conical and acute, and gently curved along culmen ; maxilla 
mostly blackish, but its edges and the mandible paler or yellowish (in dried skins) ; 
legs yellowish-brown ; the indistinct notch of mandible is best seen with a magnify¬ 
ing glass; rictal bristles inconspicuous. General color above blue; a triangular 
greenish or brownish-yellow patch on middle of back ; wing-band white; two outer 
tail feathers on either side with white spots on inner webs; chin, throat, breast, yel¬ 
low the breast in some individuals reddish-brown ; rest of lower parts white. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, west to the plains, north to Canada, and south 
in winter to the West Indies and Central America. 

Summer resident from early in May until about the last week in 
September. Although this sp>ecies breeds quite generally throughout 
the state in damp forests and swampy wooded thickets, where the long 
tufts of gray lichens ( Usnea barbata and its varieties), in which it builds, 
are abundant, I have observed these pretty little warblers to be more 
plentiful in the northern and eastern portions of the state during the 
summer than elsewhere. When migrating the Parula Warbler is fre¬ 
quently found in orchards and gardens as well as in woodland. This 
species feeds largely on spiders, caterpillars, small flies, and coleopterous 
insects, and they also devour numerous aphides. 

Genus DENDROICA* Gray. 

Dendroica tigrina (Gmel.I 

Cape May Warbler. 

» Description. 

Length ; extent ; wing ; tail 2.15. Bill and legs black ; the lower mandible 
in autumnal specimens (dried skins) is somewhat paler than the upper ; bill rather 

* This genus is the largest, as regards the number of species, of any in the state. All of these birds, as 
lar as is known, with one exception, nest in trees and bushes. The Yellow Palm Warbler nests ■ * on the 
ground in open situations.” Many of these small, sprightly and ever active insect hunters, are among 
our most beautiful and pleasing visitors during their vernal and autumnal passages, to and from more 
northern breeding grounds, or in the summer months. The Yellow Warbler (Dendroica (estiva) has inner 
webs of outer tail feathers yellow ; the other species of this group have rectrices (tail feathers) blotched 
or spotted (usually only on inner webs) with white. The coloration of the sexes in a number of species 
is greatly different ; the adults of the same species in some Instances are not only different in both the 
spring and fall attire, but some of them differ considerably from their young. 










280 


BI11DS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


slender very acute ; obsoletely notched near end, and cominisure slightly arched or 
curved. 

Male in sx>ring .—Top of head blackish; back yellowish-olive, with faint dusky 
streaks anteriorly; rump, sides of head and neck and under parts yellow (under 
tail-coverts in two specimens before me are nearly white), ear-patch, chestnut, chin 
and throat often tinged with same; throat, anterior part of breast and sides with 
rather narrow black streaks; a yellowish line over eye extends to chestnut ear- 
coverts; blackish loral line; white wing patch (this is smaller in female); inner 
webs of three outer pairs of tail feathers have white patches on inner webs (these 
patches are small or obscure in female). The female is rather similar to male but 
lacks the conspicuous head markings (the male in fall also has chestnut head mark¬ 
ings indistinct). 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, north to Hudson’s Bay territory, west to the 
plains, breeds from northern New England northward, and also in Jamaica ; winters 
in the West Indies. 

Rather rare and irregular spring migrant, but some seasons tolerably 
common in the spring. Arrives in Pennsylvania usually about the 
middle of May, when for a few days they are to be found in forests 
(usually in tops of trees) and sometimes in orchards. When migrating 
southward in the fall (September generally) these warblers are much 
more plentiful than in the spring, and they frequently are observed in 
low trees in woods, or in bushes, and occasionally on the ground along 
the roadsides or about the margins of woods. Food—larvae, flies, plant- 
lice, small beetles, etc. 


Dendroica aestiva (Gmel.). 

Yellow Warbler. 


Description (Plate 41 ). 

Length about 5^ inches; extent about 7^; bill bluish-black; legs and feet pale 
brown. 

Male. —Golden-yellow ; back olive-yellow ; chest and sides streaked with brownish- 
red not black or dusky ; wings and tail dusky ; the inner webs of outer tail feathers 
with large blotches of yellow not white. Female and young duller, and the former 
with brownish-red streaks very obscure or entirely wanting. 

Habitat .—North America at large, south in winter to Central America and north¬ 
ern South America. 

Abundant summer resident. Arrives the last week in April and re¬ 
mains until about the middle of September. A common inhabitant of 
shrubbery in gardens, lawns, and parks, and also frequents orchards; it 
is often seen in groves but is rarely observed in forests. Builds a small 
compact cup-shaped nest of plant-fibers, spiders’ webs, lined with woolly 
plant substances, feathers or hair, in an upright fork of a tree or bush. 
In this locality pear trees and bushes in hedge-rows are favorite breed¬ 
ing places. This bright and pleasing little songster may frequently be 
observed in trees and bushes or on telegraph wires along the roadsides. 
With us the Yellow Warbler, according to my observations, subsists ex¬ 
clusively on various forms of insect-life, especially small beetles, plant- 









BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


281 


lice, flies, spiders, ants and larvae. It is stated, however, that this 
species often feeds on small seeds and berries. 

Dendroica caerulescens (Gmel.). 

Black-throated Blue Warbler. 

Description ( Plate 97, male and female ). 

Length about 5^ ; extent 8. 

Male adult. —Uniform blue above; no white wing-bars but basal portion of 
primaries (other than first) white, forming a conspicuous patch ; lores, a narrow 
frontal line and plumage on sides of head, sides of breast, chin, throat and sides, 
deep black ; rest of under parts white; outer tail feathers spotted on inner webs 
with white (these spots in female, and the young, in fall are much restricted). Bill 
blackish; legs (dried skins) brownish, but in autumnal specimens are often much 
| paler. 

Female. —Grayish olive-green above ; tail and wings, especially the former, with a 
bluish cast; lores and ear-patches dusky ; a pale whitish line from nostrils above and 
back of eye; eyelids whitish ; white patch on primaries as in male but smaller; 
white spots on tail feathers indistinct; chin, throat, breast and rest of under parts 
dull (soiled) yellow. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America to the plains, breeding from northern New 
England and northern New York northward, and in the Alleghanies to northern 
! Georgia ; West Indies in winter. 

The Black-tliroatecl Blue AVarbler occurs generally throughout Penn¬ 
sylvania only as a passing visitor in the spring and fall. Dr. Yan Fleet 
has found this warbler breeding in Clarion and Clearfield counties, and 
Prof. A. Kock has observed it as a regular summer resident of Lycoming 
county. I have repeatedly seen these birds in the mountainous regions 
in different sections of the central and northern parts of the state, and 
there can be no doubt but that they breed regularly in nearly all our 
higher mountainous regions. The female of this species, although con¬ 
siderably different from the male in his showy coat of blue, black and 
white, can always be known by the white patch at base of primaries. 


Dendroica coronata (Linn.). 

Myrtle Warbler. 

Description (Plate 98, male). 

Rump, crown and sides of breast yellow, in all plumages more or less distinct. 
Length (average of six specimens) male 6 inches ; extent (three specimens in flesh) 
9); ; wing 3 or a little less. Female somewhat smaller ; bill and legs black. 

Male, in spring .—Above slate-blue, streaked with black; two wing-bands white 
and inner webs of outer tail feathers spotted with same; lores and sides of head, and 
most of breast and sides (except as above mentioned) black; chin, throat, eyelids 
and superciliary line, and belly white. 

Female .—Similar but much duller. Autumnal specimens are chiefly brownish 
above, with blackish streaks ; below much lighter and quite thickly streaked. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, chiefly, straggling more or less commonly 
westward to the Pacific ; breeds from northern United States northward, and winters 







282 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


from Middle States (rarely seen in Pennsylvania) and the Ohio valley southward 
to the West Indies and Central America. 

The Myrtle Warbler, also called Yellow-rump and Yellow-crown, is the 
most abundant of all the family occurring* in this state. It is one of the 
first to arrive from the south; small flocks being* often observed in the 
southern parts of Pennsylvania early in April. During* mild winters 
doubtless a few of these warblers remain along* our southern borders. I 
have several times seen individuals of this species in company with 
sparrows, in different parts of Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia^ 
in winter when snow was on the ground. My friend, Robert Ridgway, 
writing of the Mrytle Warbler in southern Illinois,* says: “It may often 
be seen in midwinter, when the ground is covered with snow, in the 
door-yards along with Snow-birds (Junco hyemalis), Tree Sparrows and 
other familiar species, gleaning bread crumbs from the door-steps, or 
hunting for spiders or other insect tid-bits in the nooks of the garden 
fence or the crevices in the bark of trees; and at evening, flying in con¬ 
siderable companies, to the sheltering branches of the thickest tree tops 
(preferably evergreens), where they pass the night. Not unfrequently, 
however, they roost in odd nooks and crannies about the buildings or even 
in holes in the straw or hay-stacks in the barn-yard. A favorite food of 
this species are berries of the Poison-vine (Rhus toxicodendron), and 
during the early part of winter large numbers of them may be seen 
wherever vines of this species are abundant.” 

Although I have never found the nest of the Yellow-rump in this state, 
I believe that future research will show that it breeds regularly, but 
sparingly, in some of our secluded and higher mountainous districts. I 
have seen on different occasions, as noted on a previous page, birds of 
this species in the summer months; and have also observed single birds 
or small detached flocks late in August and early in September, in Chester, 
York and Juniata counties, whence they doubtless had come from some 
comparatively near breeding place. The food of the Myrtle Warbler, in 
spring, is composed mainly of insects, especially beetles, spiders, flies, 
aphides, etc., and in the late fall and winter, in addition to numerous 
kinds of insects, this bird often eats various kinds of berries. I have 
found in their stomachs remains of wild grapes, cedar berries and seeds 
of other berries. In Florida I have seen Myrtle Warblers feeding on 
Palmetto berries. 

Dendroica auduboni (Towns.). 

Audubon’s Warbler. 

Description. 

Similar to D. coronata , from which it differs chiefly in having throat yellow; no 
white superciliary line; sides of head lead color; male has large white wing patch ; 
female two white wing-bands. 


* Nat. Hist. Survey of Ill.. Vol. 1, Orn., p. 141. 











BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


283 


Habitat .—Western United States, east to the western border of the plains ; south 
in winter to Guatemala. Accidental in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. 

On the 8th of November, 1889, I captured a fine adult female of this 
species in an apple orchard in Chester county. This is the only speci¬ 
men of this decidedly western bird that has ever been taken in Penn¬ 
sylvania, and but one other specimen * of Audubon’s Warbler has been 
recorded east of its common range. I found this bird in company with 
some Snow-birds (Junco hyemalis) and White-throated Sparrows. In 
its stomach a few seeds and fragments of beetles were found. The 
feathers about its bill were more or less soiled evidently by juices of 
berries on which it had been feeding. 


Dendroica maculosa (Gmel.). 

Magnolia Warbler. 

Description (Plate 94, Male). 

Length (average of seven males) 4.90 ; extent (average of seven males) 7.35 ; wing 
(average of seven males) 2.40. Female usually somewhat smaller. 

Male , in spring. —Bill and legs blackish ; crown grayish slate-blue ; black feathers 
of forehead and lores continuous with a black streak below and a wider one behind 
eye that joins the triangular black space on back (the black back feathers are in 
many specimens edged with yellowish-green) below bright yellow streaked or 
blotched (except on chin, throat and middle portion of abdomen) with black ; under 
tail-coverts white; all tail-feathers, except central pair, have white spots on inner 
webs in middle ; rump yellow ; two wing bars or a white patch ; upper tail-coverts 
black ; white streak back of eye. 

Female similar but much duller. The young are quite different. Top of head 
and neck behind ashy-gray, back greenish-olive; upper tail-coverts black, with ex¬ 
tensive grayish edgings ; below chiefly yellow, the streaks of black being mainly on 
sides, can be recognized by peculiar white tail markings previously described, the 
yellowrump and under parts; maxilla brownish; mandible yellowish, and legs paler 
than in adult. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America to the base of the Rocky mountains, breeding 
from northern New England, northern New York and northern Michigan, to 
Hudson’s Bay territory. In winter, Bahamas, Cuba and Central America. 

This active and beautiful warbler arrives in Pennsylvania early in 
May and departs in September. Inhabits woodland chiefly, but often 
when migrating is seen in orchards and gardens. As a bird of passage 
it is quite common and very generally distributed throughout the state; 
and it also breeds regularly, but not abundantly, in many sections of the 
mountain districts. I have seen Magnolia Warblers, in midsummer, in 
the mountains of Blair, McKean and Cameron counties, and their nests 
have been found in Crawford, Sullivan and Somerset counties, where, I 
am reliably informed, they breed regularly. The Magnolia Warbler can 
easily be recognized by its showy dress of black and yellow and the 
conspicuous broad white band on middle of tail feathers. Mr. Bidg- 

* A male D. auduboni was captured by Mr. A. M. Frazer at Cambridge. Mass.. November 15. 1876.— 
Birds Col. Valley, p. 273. 











284 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


way, * writing of this species, very aptly says, “it is one of the most 
agile of its tribe, its quick and restless movements being more like 
those of thevRedstart than those of its nearest kindred.” Food consists 
largely of various small winged insects; plant-lice, ants and spiders are 
also fed upon to a considerable extent. 

Dendroica cserulea (Wils.). 

Cerulean Warbler. 


Description. 

Length 4\ to 5; extent about 8g inches. 

Male, in spring. —Above bright blue, streaked with black; the crown somewhat 
brighter and darkest; below white; the breast and sides with blue or bluish-black 
streaks ; two white wing bars ; tail-feathers, except central pair, with white patches 
on inner webs, near the end. 

“ Female. —Greenish-blue above, brightest on the crown ; beneath white, tinged 
with greenish-yellow, obsoletely streaked on the sides; eyelids and a superciliary 
line greenish-white.” {Hist. N. Am. B.) 

Habitat .—Eastern United States and southern Canada to the plains. Rare or 
casual east of central New York and the Alleghanies. Cuba (rare) and Central 
America in winter. 

The Cerulean or Blue Warbler I have found in eastern Pennsylvania 
only as a very rare spring and fall migrant. During the last ten years 
1 have seen but five of these birds, one was observed in an apple orchard 
in May, the others were all seen in the tops of tall forest trees. In the 
western counties of the state this species is reported to be tolerably 
frequent during migrations, and Dr. Yan Fleet says it breeds in Clinton 
county; and in Somerset county Dr. H. D. Moore has noted it as a rare 
summer visitor. The viscera of two individuals which I have examined 
contained spiders and small beetles, etc.; the stomach of one bird was 
destitute of all food except portions of a wasp-like insect. 

/ 5 

Dendroica pensylvanicaf (Linn.). 

Chestnut-sided Warbler. 

Description {Plate 73, Fig. 3, Male). 

Length about 5 ; extent about 7| inches. 

Male, in spring .—Above greenish-olive and pale bluish-gray (the latter especially 
on back of neck) streaked with black ; top of head yellow, with black border (in 
some specimens feathers of forehead and those above the black lores and eyes are 
whitish) ; broad triangular patch below eye from base of mandible black, and from 
this a narrow black line joins the showy chestnut stripe which extends back along 
sides to flanks ; ear-coverts and portion of sides of neck, and rest of under parts pure 
white, two yellowish wing-bands; three outer pairs of tail-feathers white on inner 
webs towards end. 

* Ornithology of Illinois. — Ridgw. 

tThe bill in this species, and also in D. castanca. is broader, and the bristles are longer than in others 
of the genus. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


285 


Female. —Similar to male, but more greenisli-yellow above, but streaked with 
black ; the black head markings are usually absent, sometimes very indistinctly 
shown on malar region or about eyes ; a whitish ring about eye ; the chestnut streak 
is much restricted. 

Young. —Well' marked yellow iving-bancls ; upper parts yellowish-green with or 
without dusky streaks ; sides of head, sides of neck and backward grayish-ash, rest 
of lower parts white, with or without traces of chestnut stripe on sides. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to the plains, breed¬ 
ing southward to central Illinois and the Appalachian highlands probably to north¬ 
ern Georgia. In winter south to Bahamas, eastern Mexico, Central America, etc. 

Regular spring and fall migrant, arriving about the first week in May 
and departing in September. This species is usually much more num¬ 
erous in the fall than during the vernal migration. In the spring this 
handsome little warbler is generally most frequently to be found in 
woods or thickets; but occasionally he also is seen in orchards seeking 
insects among the fragrant rose-tinted blossoms. I have seen birds of 
this species, in the summer, in the counties of Chester, Delaware, Lan¬ 
caster, Wayne, Susquehanna, Blair, Columbia, Mercer, Cameron and 
McKean, where I have no doubt this bird breeds regularly* but spar¬ 
ingly. From reports received from observers in nearly all parts of the 
state, especially in the upper half, I find this bird breeds regularly (but 
no place is it mentioned as being common) in nearly all parts of the 
commonwealth. Feeds on various larvae, small beetles, and other in¬ 
sects. Once, late in July, I shot a male Chestnut-sided Warbler in a 
thicket near West Chester, the feathers of its chin and throat were 
stained with what appeared to be the juice of a blackberry, possibly this, 
species sometimes feeds on berries. 

Dendroica castanea (Wils.). 

Bay-breasted Warbler. 

Description ( Plate 73, Fig. 2). 

Length about 5§ ; extent about 8f. 

Male, in spring. —Forehead and sides of head black ; crown dark-chestnut; back 
thickly streaked with black and grayish ; chin, throat, forebreast and sides chestnut, 
duller than crown ; under tail-coverts pale buff; rest of lower parts, also a patch 
behind ears, pale yellowish-white; two white wing-bars; two outer tail-feathers 
with white spots near end, and others also whitish on inner edges. Female is more 
greenish-brown above, streaked with black ; traces of chestnut on crown and lower 
parts ; bill and legs blackish. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, north to Hudson’s Bay. Breeds from northern 
New England and northern Michigan northward ; winters in Central America. 

Irregular spring and fall migrant, usually more plentiful in the fall. 
Perhaps the Bay-breasted Warbler is more numerous than it is generally 
admitted to be. During their brief visits in this region I have noticed 
that these warblers are usually to be observed in the topmost branches 
of tall forest trees, particularly in oaks, chestn uts and hickories. Food 

Mn lS^TnrTj. C. Merrill, of Philadelphia, found this species breeding and quite common iu Monroe 
county. 











286 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


of five of these birds which I have examined, consisted of beetles, larvae 
and flies. , 

“ The females and immature males of this species differ much from 
the spring males, and are often confounded with other species, especially 
with D. striata. A careful comparison of an extensive series of imma¬ 
ture specimens of the two species shows that in castanea the under parts 
are seldom washed uniformly on the throat and breast with yellowish- 
green, but while this may be seen on the sides of the neck and breast, 
or even across the latter, the chin and throat are nearly white, the sides 
tinged with dirty brown, even if the (generally present) trace of chest¬ 
nut be wanting on the sides. There is a buff tinge to the under tail- 
coverts ; the quills are abruptly margined with white, and there are no 
traces (however obsolete) of streaks on the breast. In D. striata the 
under parts are quite uniformly washed with greenish-yellow nearly as 
far back as the vent, the sides of the breast and sometimes of the belly 
with obsolete streaks; no trace of the uniform dirty reddish-brown on 
the sides; the under tail-coverts are pure white. The quills are only 
gradually paler towards the inner edge instead of being abruptly 
white.”— Ridgiu. Orn. of III. 


Dendroica striata (Forst.). 

Black-poll Warbler. 


Description. 

Length about 5|; extent 8g to 9| inches. Maxilla brownish ; mandible paler; legs 
and feet yellowish. 

Male , in spring .—Upper half of head, on a level with middle of eye, also nape, pure 
black ; sides and back of neck white streaked with black ; upper parts generally ash- 
gray thickly streaked with black ; two white wing bars; two outer pairs of tail- 
feathers with conspicuous white spots on inner webs near ends; lower half of head 
including ear-coverts white ; median under parts white, streaked and spotted with 
black from chin along sides of neck back to tail. 

Female greenish olive above (including crown) streaked with black ; lower parts 
streaked as in male, yellowish ring about eye, and the white of lower parts, especi¬ 
ally on breast, in nearly all specimens is tinged with yellowish ; dusky streak in 
front of and behind eye. The fall plumage is very different. Above light olive- 
green indistinctly streaked with dusky; below white and yellowish with or without 
streaks; but both old and young in any plumage have white lower tail-coverts, not 
pale buff as in D. castanea. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America to the Rocky mountains, north to Greenland, 
the Barren Grounds, and Alaska, breeding from northern New England northward. 
South in winter to northern South America. 

Abundant spring and fall migrant; frequents forests and orchards, and 
shade trees in the streets, parks and lawns. Individuals of this species 
have been observed here (Chester county) sometimes as late as the 12th of 
June. The Black-poll Warbler breeds most abundantly in the far north; 
its nests, eggs, and young have been found by Mr. E. W. Nelson in 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


287 


Alaska, and by Mr. L. M. Turner in Labrador and Ungava. Mr. E. W. 
Nelson, * writing of this species, say s: “ It is stated that it usually builds 
its nest in bushes, a few feet from the ground, but some Arctic nests are 
placed directly upon the ground. This variation in habit probably ac¬ 
cords with the locality, since it nests in bushes when the latter are to be 
found.” 

This species is generally seen singly or in pairs, but sometimes small 
detached flocks are to be met with. Feeds on beetles, flies, aphides, 
spiders and canker-worms. Has a rather sharp lisping and somewhat 
squeaky note. “ Dr. Bryant met with it in the Bahamas, in the spring 
of 1859, where it was abundant from the 1st to the 10th of May. He 
describes its habits as similar to those of the Mniotilta varia (Black and 
White Warbler), climbing around the trunks of trees in search of in¬ 
sects with the same facility. * * * Dr. Coues found it abundant in 
Labrador in all well-wooded situations, and describes it as a most expert 
flycatcher, taking insects on the wing in the same manner as the Con- 
topus virens (Wood Pewee).”— Hist. N. Am. Birds. 


Dendroica blackburniae (Gmel.). 

Blackburnian Warbler. 

Description ( Plate 98, male). 

Top of head with a central spot of yellow ; yellowish (sometimes whitish) and in¬ 
distinct in young. Length 5g; extent about 8g. 

Male, in spring.—Outer tail-feathers, except ends, chiefly white; white wing patch ; 

| middle of crown with a patch of orange ; rest of upper parts chiefly black; back 
streaked more or less with grayish, whitish and yellowish; black area in front of 
I eye ; ear-coverts blackish ; between the black streak below the eye and the eye is a 
bright orange spot; chin, throat, forebreast, and superciliary line, orange-red 
brightest on throat and breast; rest of lower parts white, more or less tinged with 
yellow ; sides streaked with black. 

Female quite similar, but paler. Autumnal specimens are much duller and 
have two wing bars; the females and young especially are more brownish, olive 
above and the streaks below are much less distinct; the bright-colored throat and 
breast of female is duller, and the yellow is only clearly shown on chest of young 
male. 

Habitat.— Eastern North America to the plains, breeding from the northern and 
more elevated parts of the eastern United States northward ; in winter, south to 
Bahamas, Central America, etc. 

The Blackburnian Warbler is a regular and tolerably plentiful spring 
and fall migrant, arriving in Pennsylvania from the 10th to the 15th of 
May, and departing in September. This species breeds rather sparingly 
but regularly in the mountain regions of our state, and, occasionally, in¬ 
dividuals have been observed during the summer months in the south¬ 
east and also in some of the western counties. Dr. W. Van Fleet 
informs me this bird breeds “ quite plentifully in Clinton, Clearfield and 
Northumberland counties,” and P rof. August Kock has found this beau- 

•Rept. upon Nat. Hist. Coll, made in Alaska, p. 203. 








288 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


tiful warbler as a regular and moderately common summer resident in 
the mountainous districts of romantic Lycoming county. Its nests have 
been taken, it is said, in low bushes in Crawford county. I have taken 
several of these warblers in Centre, McKean and Susquehanna counties 
late in June and early in August. This species is generally found in 
woods or thickets, but often, when migrating (especially in spring), these 
birds visit orchards. Commonly seen singly or in pairs, but occasion¬ 
ally in spring I have seen companies of six to eight together and in one 
instance a dozen of these bright orange-throated beauties were observed 
feeding together in a couple of beech trees in a woods along the 
Youghiogheny river in Fayette county. Food about the same as that 
of the Black-poll. 


Dendroica dominica (Linn.). 

Yellow-throated Warbler. 


Description. 

Sexes (adults) alike. Length about 5|; extent about 8§. Bill and legs black. 
Bill is long, measuring along exposed culmen .48 (average of six specimens), much 
compressed and sharp pointed ; maxilla somewhat curved. Above plain bluish- 
gray and unstreaked; edges of middle and greater coverts form two white wing 
bands; inner webs of three pairs of outer tail-feathers spotted with white toward 
the end. Top of head to about middle of eyes black ; lores and patch on sides of 
head, continuous with patch on sides of neck, deep black ; a white spot below eye is 
encircled by black which borders the bright yellow throat patch ; six specimens 
before me have yellow of chin separated from bill by a few white feathers ; white area 
on side of neck separating black from bluish-gray ; under parts, except as already 
mentioned, white, conspicuously streaked on sides with black. A long stripe runs 
from base of maxilla to nape, this stripe from bill and almost reaching the eye is 
usually yellow, then it becomes pure white. 

Habitat .—Southeastern United States, north to the Middle States, and rarely to 
southern New England ; south in winter to the West Indies. 

The Yellow-throated Warbler is a very rare and irregular summer 
visitor in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. Dr. W. P. Turnbull 
includes this species in his list of stragglers in the lower counties of 
eastern Pennsylvania. The late C. D. Wood, of Philadelphia, showed 
me a pair of these warblers which he had captured about the middle of 
June in Delaware county. I have in my collection two specimens shot 
in Chester county, both are males, one was taken June 27, 1879, the 
other July, 1885. It is possible that this southern bird occasionally 
breeds within or near our southern borders. In the numerous reports 
which I have received from various observers in different parts of 
Pennsylvania no mention is made of the Yellow-throated Warbler. In 
the winter of 1885 I found this species in small flocks and quite abund¬ 
ant in jjine, palmetto and oak trees at different points along the St. 
John’s river, from Palatka southward to Sanford. Feeds on beetles, 
larvae, ants, spiders, etc. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


289 


Dendroica virens (Gmel.) 

Black-throated Green Warbler. 

Description (Plate 97 , male). 

Length about 5 ; extent about 8. 

Male , in spring .—Top of head, neck behind, scapulars back and rump bright 
yellowish olive-green ; wings and tail dusky; wings have two white bars and con¬ 
siderable white edging, and the outer tail feathers are principally white. In some 
specimens the back has a few concealed blackish streaks ; a dusky streak from maxilla 
back through eye and auriculars, and another one below it. Forehead, superciliary 
stripes* (the latter extending to nape), sides of head and neck rich yellow; chin, 
throat and upper breast jet black, which is continued along sides in streaks; rest of 
under parts yellowish-white. Bill and legs blackish, paler in young and autumnal 
specimens. 

Female .—Similar to male but duller and the jet black of chin, throat and breast is 
absent, or at least largely hidden by yellowish and whitish ends of feathers; but 
black always is more or less evident on forebreast. 

Young .—In fall resembles greatly the female. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America to the plains, north to Hudson’s Bay territory, 
breeding from the northern United States northward. In winter, south to Cuba and 
Panama. 

The Black-throated Green Warbler is a common and familiar visitor oc¬ 
curring- generally throughout the state when migrating, and as a summer 
resident it is frequently met with in the wooded regions of our higher 
mountain ranges. Although this warbler often visits orchard and other 
trees about the habitations of man, it is to be found most abundantly 
during migrations in woodland. It frequents the tops of the forest 
monarchs, as well as the lower limbs of trees and bushes. Although 
these sprightly and showily-attired birds may be observed in any or all 
kinds of trees in the woods, I have noticed that where hickory and oak 
trees are growing, there you will generally find the present species most 
numerous. Prof. August Kock informs me that this bird breeds regular 
in Lycoming county, in the neighborhood of Williamsport. Dr. Van 
Pleet says it breeds rather plentifully in Clinton, Clearfield and North¬ 
umberland counties. Prof. H. J. Roddy, of Millersville, has captured 
specimens at Bush mountain, Centre county, late in July, so young as to 
warrant him in believing that they hatched in that immediate vicinity. 
Mr. Sennett tells me this bird breeds in Crawford county, and I am quite 
■certain that it is a native in all our northern tier of counties, as well as 
in many of the counties to the southward. Food consists largely of 
aphides, spiders, beetles, flies, larvae, etc. Arrives in southern Pennsyl¬ 
vania usually about the last week in April, and occasionally straggling 
individuals are found along our southern borders as late as the middle of 
October. 


19 Birds. 







290 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Dendroica townsendi (Nutt.). 

Townsend’s Warbler. 


Description. 

“ Spring , male. —Above bright olive-green , the feathers all black in the cen¬ 
ter, showing more or less as streaks, especially on the crown, where the black 
predominates. Quills, tail and upper tail-covert feathers dark-brown, edged with 
bluish-gray; the wings with two white bands on the coverts; the two outer tail- 
feathers white with a brown streak near the end ; a white streak only in the end of 
the third feather. Under parts as far as the middle of the body, with the sides of 
head and neck, including a superciliary stripe and a spot beneath the eye, yellow . 
the median portion of the side of the head, the chin and throat, with streaks on the 
sides of the breast, flanks and under tail-coverts, black ; the remainder of under parts 
white. Length 5 inches ; wing 2.65 ; tail 2.25. 

“ Spring , female. —Resembling the male, but the black patch on the throat replaced 
by irregular blotches upon a pure yellow ground.”—( Hist. N. Am. B.') 

Habitat. —Western North America, east during migrations to western Colorado, 
north to Sitka, south to Mexico, and in winter to Guatemala. Accidental near Phila¬ 
delphia (Chester county). 

Accidental. An adult male of this decidedly western species, was shot 
by Mr. C. D. Wood, of Philadelphia, May 12, 1868, in an apple orchard, 
near Coatesville, Chester county. The specimen was sold ($40) to Dr. 
Turnbull, and after his death was purchased by Barney Hoopes, Esq., 
of Philadelphia, who subsequently disposed of it to the late John Krider, 
of Philadelphia. 

Dendroica kirtlandi Baird. 

KirtlandL’s Warbler. 


Description. 

“ Male; upper parts slaty-blue ; crown and back streaked with black ; lores and 
frontlet black ; eyelids mostly white. Under parts clear yellow, whitening on cris- 
sum, the breast with small spots and the sides with short streaks of black ; greater 
and middle wing-coverts, quills, and tail-feathers edged with white ; two outer 
tail-feathers white-blotched on inner web. Length 5.50 ; wing 2.80 ; tail 2.70 

Adult female .—Upper parts dull bluish-gray, obscured with brownish on the hind 
neck and back, marked with heavy blackish streaks on the whole back ; crown and 
upper tail-coverts with fine black shaft-lines. Sides of head and neck like upper 
parts, with darkened lores and whitish eye-ring. Wing quills dusky, with slight 
whitish edging of both webs ; tail-coverts like back, but with large blackish central 
field, and whitish edging and tipping, forming two inconspicuous wing-bars. Tail- 
feathers like wing-quills only the outermost one having a small white blotch. 
Entire under parts dull yellow, brighter on breast, paler on throat and belly, 
washed with brownish on sides, with a slight necklace of brownish dots across the 
forebreast (as in 8 . canadensis)', these spots stronger on the sides of the breast, 
whence lengthening into streaks on the sides and flanks ; a few small sharp 
scratches of the same nearly across lower breast. Under tail-coverts white, un¬ 
marked. Bill and feet black. Length about 5.30 ; wing 2.60 ; bill .40 ; tarsus .80.”— 
(Key N. Am. Birds.) 

Habitat. —Eastern United States (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Wis¬ 
consin), and the Bahamas in winter. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


291 


About half a dozen specimens of this species have been taken in Ohio 
since the type was captured, May 13,1851, near Cleveland, Ohio, by Dr. 
Jared P. Kirtland. I have never seen a Kirtland’s Warbler in this state, 
and the only one that has ever been taken here, so far as I can learn, is 
now in the collection of Prof. H. J. Roddy, of Millersville State Normal 
School, Pennsylvania. Concerning this species, Mr. Roddy writes me 
as follows: “I shot a Kirtland’s Warbler ( D . kirtlandi), June 25, 1885, 
near Dublin Gap Springs, Pennsylvania.” In the list of birds which 
accompanied Mr. Roddy’s letter, Kirtland’s Warbler is marked as a 
breeder, with the following note, “ saw one (doubtless the one he shot 
June 25, 1885) and its family.” During migrations this warbler has 
been found in the eastern United States as above noted; it has been 
taken in winter in the Bahamas, but of its summer residence naturalists 
know nothing. 


Dendroica vigorsii (Aud.). 


Pine Warbler. 


Description. 

Bill rather stout, blackish ; legs brownish ; bill in y.oung is generally paler, espec¬ 
ially mandible about base. 

Length about 5| ; extent 8J. 

Above bright yellowish-olive : sides of head and neck same color, superciliary 
stripe, spot under eye, chin, throat, breast, portion of sides, and upper part of abdo¬ 
men yellow. The lower part of belly and under tail-coverts in six specimens before 
me, are dull white, and two other specimens have these parts as well as flanks 
tinged with yellow ; sides of breast obsoletely streaked with dusky ; wings and tail 
dusky grayish ; the edge of outer webs of primaries edged with grayish-white, and 
two wing bands of same. The two outer pairs of tail-feathers have large white 
spaces towards the end on inner webs, and middle portion of outer web of first pair 
of lateral tail-feathers, is also white or grayish. 

Female somewhat similar but duller, more grayish-olive above, less yellowish 
below. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, to the plains, north to Ontario aud New Bruns¬ 
wick, wintering in the south Atlantic and Gulf States and the Bahamas. 

The Pine Warbler, a regular though not a common migrant in the 
spring ancl fall, arrives in Pennsylvania late in April or early in May 
and departs usually in September. 

By the last of October but few of these birds are met with in this 
state. I have, however, seen one or two of these warblers here in win¬ 
ter. Mr. Gentry mentions an instance where a stray individual was 
taken near Philadelphia in midwinter. The Messrs. Baird found this 
bird breeding in Cumberland county. I have taken, at different times, 
three Pine Warblers in midsummer in pine and hemlock woods in the 
mountainous regions, and have no doubt this species breeds regularly, 
but sparingly in our extensive coniferous forests. Prof. H. J. Roddy has 
found the Pine Warbler breeding in Perry county. The same observer 
has also seen this bird in the southern part of our state as a casual win¬ 
ter resident. Mr. Sennett has observed this bird in the Crawford-Erie 






292 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


district only as a spring and fall migrant; Dr. Yan Fleet has noted it in 
Clinton, Clearfield and Northumberland counties, likewise Prof. A. 
Kock in Lycoming county, only as a bird of passage in the spring and 
fall. Although occurring during migrations generally throughout the 
commonwealth, the present species is, according to my observation, 
oftener met with in the pine and hemlock woods than elsewhere. Like 
the Bed-poll Warbler (D. palmarum, or its near relative hypochrysea) 
the Pine Warbler is frequently seen on the ground. Feeds, like other 
of its kindred, on divers kinds of insect life, and occasionally this diet 
is varied by a few small berries and seeds. 


Dendroica palmarum (Gmel.). 

Palm Warbler. 


Description. 

Length about 5|; extent about 8; above brownish-olive ; back narrowly streaked 
with dusky ; rump and upper tail-coverts yellowish-olive ; top of head chestnut; 
tips of middle and greater wing-coverts paler than surrounding parts, but not form¬ 
ing distinct bars ; inner webs of two outer pairs of tail feathers white to ends ; su¬ 
perciliary stripe dull whitish or yellowish ; lower eyelids whitish ; under parts dull 
whitish and yellowish, the latter most conspicuous on throat, forebreast and under 
tail-coverts ; breast and sides streaked with grayish-brown or pale reddish-brown ; 
wings and tail-feathers dusky brown. 

Habitat. —Northern interior to the Great Slave Lake; in winter and in migra¬ 
tions, Mississippi valley and Gulf States ; including western and southern Florida 
and the West Indies. Casual in the Atlantic states.- 

D. palmarum hypochrysea , Ridgw. (YellowPalm Warbler), is a little larger than 
true palmarum , from which it differs also in having under parts much brighter and 
almost continuous yellow ; and the bright reddish-chestnut streaks in spring adults 
are almost wholly confined to the sides of breast and lower part of neck (sides) ; bill 
blackish ;* base of lower mandible paler; legs brownish ; soles of feet yellow. 

Habitat. —Atlantic states, north to Hudson’s Bay. Breeds from New Brunswick 
and Nova Scotia northward ; winters in the south Atlantic and Gulf States. 

The Yellow Palm Warbler is the common form which I have found in 
Pennsylvania east of the Allegheny mountains. It also occurs west of 
the Alleghanies, where the Palm Warbler (I). palmarum) is reported as 
a regular spring and fall migrant. I have taken one or two birds in the 
autumn, in southeastern Pennsylvania, which appear to be good exam¬ 
ples of Dendroica palmarum , but from a large series of skins before 
me I am thoroughly convinced that Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea 
is the common bird in eastern and central Pennsylvania and that Den¬ 
droica palmarum occurs in the eastern two-thirds of the state, and 
doubtless throughout the entire state chiefly as a rare visitor during 
migrations. These warblers arrive here usually about the 20th of April 
(some seasons individuals are seen as early as the first week in April in 
the southern parts of Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties) and 
are commonly observed for about a week or ten days. Found generally 
on the ground, in fields, along fences and by the roadsides. In the au¬ 
tumn they return late in September, and frequent the same situations 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


293 


as in the spring; they are often seen in company with different species 
of sparrows and also Yellow-rumped Warblers. Like others of its 
genus this warbler feeds on small beetles, larvae, spiders, etc. 


Dendroica discolor (Vieill.). 

Prairie Warbler. 

Description. 

Length about 5; extent about 7£. Upper parts olive-green (some specimens 
olive-yellow), interscapular region with patch of reddish chestnut spots. Under 
parts, sides of head and streak from nostrils running back over and behind eye, 
two wing-bands and under parts, yellow ; black streak in front of eye and another 
behind it black ; sides of neck and body streaked with black ; inner webs of outer 
tail-feathers mostly white. The female is similar but duller and reddish spots on 
back are indistinct. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States to the plains ; north to Michigan and southern 
New England. Winters in southern Florida and the West Indies. 

The Prairie Warbler is a regular and tolerably common migrant in 
suitable localities in the eastern half of Pennsylvania. Arrives early in 
May and departs in September. Dr. Yan Fleet, of Clinton county, and 
Prof. A. Kock, of Lycoming county, have never met with this species in 
their localities or in fact is it reported to occur, except in rare instances, 
in any of our higher mountainous districts. In Erie and Crawford 
counties Mr. Sennett has found the Prairie Warbler as a rare spring and 
autumnal visitor, and from reports received from other observers in 
western Pennsylvania this bird is either marked as “ not found ” or as a 
rare spring and fall migrant. From the fact that I have, on different 
occasions, during the summer months, seen Prairie Warblers in high 
grasses, tall weeds, cedar thickets and other bushy places in old fields 
on the Barren Bidge in the southeastern part of this state, I am of the 
opinion that it breeds regularly through not abundantly with us. Prof. 
H. J. Roddy has, he informs me, found this bird as a rare summer resi¬ 
dent in Perry county. Food—flies, small beetles, larvae, etc. 

Genus SEITJRUS* Swainson. 

Seiurus aurocapillus (Linn.). 

Oven-bird; Golden-crowned Thrush. 

Description (Plate 99). 

Length about 6 ; extent about inches ; bill and eyes brown ; legs flesh color. 
Above uniform olive-green with a tinge of yellow; crown with two black lateral 

* “ Gen. Char.— Bill rather compressed, with a distinct notch. Gonys ascending. Rictal bristles very 
short. Wings moderate (about three-quarters of an inch longer than the tail); first quill scarcely 
shorter than the second. Tail slightly rounded, feathers acuminate. Tarsi about as long as the skull, 
considerably exceeding the middle toe. Under tail-coverts reaching within about half an inch of the 
end of the tail. Color above olivaceous, beneath whitish, thickly streaked on the breast and sides ; 
wings and tail immaculate. Nests on the ground, often arched or sheltered by position or dry leaves. 
Eggs white, marked with red, brown and purple. This genus is decidedly sylvicoline in general appear¬ 
ance. although the spots on the breast resemble somewhat those of the thrushes"—( Hist. X. Am, B.). 











294 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


streaks, which extend from bill and enclose a golden or brownish-orange space; 
white ring around eye; beneath white; breast and sides streaked with dusky or 
black. The young at first have no stripes on top of head, and lower parts are light- 
dull brownish-yellow, with obscure dusky streaks. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, north to Hudson’s Bay territory and Alaska, 
breeding from Kansas, the Ohio Valley and Virginia, northward. In winter, south¬ 
ern Florida, the West Indies and Central America. 

This bird is a common summer resident, arriving’ here generally about 
the 25th of April and remaining until about the last week of Septem¬ 
ber. Occasionally, but rarely, are birds of this species observed in the 
southern counties after the second week of October. During migrations 
it is often found in thickets, and occasionally is seen in yards and gardens. 
In the summer months it rarely is observed to leave its favorite retreats 
in dark and unfrequented localities in forests. The Oven-bird very care¬ 
fully hides its rather bulky and loosely built nest in old leaves, by the 
side of a log or under the projecting edges of brush heaps; in addition 
to such protections, and to further conceal its treasures from the curious 
eyes of egg-collectors or other predatory animals, the top is usually 
covered over or roofed by the birds, who gain an entrance through an 
opening in the side. The eggs, four to six, are creamy-white, spotted 
with reddish-brown. They measure about .80 of an inch long and .60 
of an inch wide. The song of this bird is exceeding loud, shrill and 
monotonous. Birds of this genus, when walking on the ground, have 
the habit of wagging their tails like the Spotted Sandpiper. The 
Oven-bird subsists chiefly on various forms of insect life, such as bee¬ 
tles, earthworms, crickets, flies, spiders and larvae; it also sometimes 
feeds on small seeds. 


Seiurus noveboracensis (Gmel.). 

Water Thrush; Water Wagtail; Small-billed Water-Thrush. 

Description ( Plate 95). 

Length about 6 ; extent about 9 ; eyes brown ; bill small (rather slender as com¬ 
pared with next species), a half inch or less in length along culmen ; upper parts 
uniform and dark olive-brown ; below yellowish thickly and sharply streaked ex¬ 
cept on belly and under tail-coverts with dark olive-brown ; these streaks on breast 
in some specimens are quite black ; a yellowish superciliary line. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States to Illinois, and northward to Arctic America, 
breeding from the northern United States, northward. South in winter to the West 
Indies and northern South America. 

The Water Thrush is common and very generally distributed 
throughout Pennsylvania during migrations, or late in April, May, Sep¬ 
tember and frequently individuals are found lingering as they pass 
southward, to winter it is said beyond the southern boundaries of the 
United States, in our southern counties late in October. Generally, 
however, the Water Wagtail, as many term this bird, is not found here 
after the last week in September. Like the sandpipers this bird may 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


295 


be seen frequently in shallow water, on logs and stones, etc., about 
pools, swampy woods and creeks or ponds in thickets. The species is 
nearly always seen singly or in pairs; and occasionally it is found, when 
migrating, with Solitary Sandpipers, about sluggish streams or pools in 
open woods. The Water Thrush breeds regularly but is not numerous 
as a summer resident, in the northern parts of the state. Dr. W. Yan 
Fleet tells me that it is a regular breeder in suitable localities in the 
mountainous districts of Clinton and Clearfield counties. Dr. John W. 
Detwiller, of Northampton, has taken their nests and eggs. Prof. Roddy 
says he has found the Water Thrush along cold mountain streams in 
every summer month and that in July, 1888, he saw a number in the 
Bear Meadows, Centre county. Prof. A. Kock writes that it occurs 
sparingly as a breeder about the mountain streams in Lycoming county. 
Mr. Sennett has repeatedly seen the species in the tamarack swamps and 
about small streams in woods in Crawford county, where it breeds regu¬ 
larly. The late Edmund Ricksecker recorded this thrush as a regular 
breeder in Monroe county. Food consists largely of beetles; small 
worms, larvae, and small shells are also frequently eaten. 


Seiurus motacilla (Vieill.). 

Louisiana Water-Thrush ; Large-billed Water-Thrush. 

Description. 

Very similar to noveboracensis but a little larger, bill much stouter and a little 
longer. Under parts white with fewer and paler streaks; flanks and under tail- 
coverts (especially the latter) have a faint buffy tint; white superciliary line ; chin, 
throat, abdomen and under tail-coverts unmarked. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, north to southern New England and west to the 
plains. In winter, West Indies, southern Mexico and Central America. 

Of the three species of this genus the Louisiana Water-Thrush is the 
rarest. It frequents the same localities as the Small-billed Water- 
Thrush. I have never seen this species in the northern counties, and in 
but few of the reports which have been received from observers in the 
northern parts of the state do I find that it has been observed as a mi¬ 
grant. Mr. George B. Sennett has found the Louisiana Water Thrush 
in summer about streams in the vicinity of Meadville, Crawford county. 
Messrs. George Miller and Casper Loucks have fqund it breeding in 
York county; and I have taken a few specimens in Chester and other 
counties along our southern borders in summer. Food similar to that 
of the species last mentioned. 



296 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus GEOTHLYPIS* Cabanis. 

Geothlypis formosa (Wils.). 

Kentucky Warbler. 

Description ( Plate 98). 

Length about 5| ; extent about 9. Top of head black, the feathers edged poste¬ 
riorly with grayish ; the black lores join a broad black patch below eye and connect¬ 
ing with a streak of same on sides of neck ; rest of upper parts greenish-olive ; con¬ 
spicuous superciliary stripe and under parts bright yellow'. 

Female similar but somewhat duller. The young have black obscure or absent. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, west to the plains, and north to southern New 
England and southern Michigan. In winter, West Indies and Central America. 

This beautiful bird, readily mistaken in the bushes for the Hooded 
Warbler, is a summer resident in Pennsylvania, where it arrives usually 
about May 1st, and remains until, generally, the middle of September. 
As a well-known writer observes the Kentucky Warbler resembles in its 
manners the Water Thrushes, “having the same tilting motion of the 
body and horizontal altitude when perching, so characteristic of these 
birds ”—( Ridgway ). Although greatly like the Oven-bird in many of 
its ways it can easily be distinguished from the latter by its bright yel¬ 
low and immaculate under parts. His song is also much more pleasing 
and different from that of the Oven-bird; the song, Mr. Kidgway f says, 
“ recalls that of the Cardinal, but is much weaker, and its ordinary note 
is a soft pchip, somewhat like that of the Pewee (Sayornis phoebe).” 
Inhabits the thi^k undergrowth of low, damp and boggy woodland; in 
woods and well-sheltered swamps about the borders of forests where 
skunk-cabbage (Symplocarpus fceditus) and spice-wood bushes (.Benzoin 
odoriferum) abound there you mostly will find these active, pugnacious 
and secretive songsters. Like the Oven-bird, this warbler nests on the 
ground, and although the bulky nest is not roofed over, it is equally as 
difficult to discover as that of the Oven-bird. Ten nests which I have 
found in Chester, Delaware and Clarion counties, have all been built in 
damp situations in woods. This species rarely, if ever, I think, nests on 
a dry hillside as the Oven-bird commonly does. 

The Kentucky Warbler is a very common summer resident in differ¬ 
ent localities in southeastern Pennsylvania, being almost as numerous 
as the Maryland Yellow-throat, for which bird it is sometimes mistaken, 

* Legs yellow in dried specimens, but in freshly killed specimens legs are pale flesh color, or light- 
brownish flesh color ; the anterior part of tarsus is darker than posterior part. Bill distinctly notched 
at end ; rictal bristles very short or absent; tail and wings without spots and bands or bars : eyes brown. 
The Connecticut and Kentucky Warblers (subgenus Oporornis of Baird) have moderately stout and 
rather lengthened bills, somewhat depressed at base and rather compressed, particularly in Kentucky 
Warbler, from about middle to end ; wings, long and pointed, considerably longer than the nearly even 
or slightly rounded tail ; first primary longest; tail-feathers acuminate. The Maryland Yellow-throat 
and Mourning Warbler (subgenus Geothlypis of Cabanis) have short rounded wings ; the first primary is 
shorter than second, third and fourth quills ; tail long, about equal to wings, and graduated. 

tOrn. of III., p. 166. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


297 


and although occurring in nearly all parts of the state either as a native 
or during migrations it is reported to be quite rare in many of the 
mountainous districts. Prof. A. Kock has never met with it in Lycom¬ 
ing county and Dr. Van Fleet has observed it in Clinton, Clearfield and 
Northumberland counties only as a spring and autumnal sojourner. At 
all times, other than when migrating, these birds are found near water, 
such as small streams, ponds, etc., in secluded forests and wooded 
thickets. Feeds on different forms of insect life and occasionally on 
berries. 


Geothlypis agilis (Wils ). 

Connecticut Warbler. 

Description. 

Length about ; extent about 9 inches; maxilla brownish, lower mandible paler; 
upper parts olive-green ; sides of head slightly grayish or ashy ; chin, throat and 
breast grayish-ashy (in a specimen before me, taken in fall, the chin, throat and 
breast are more or less edged with rusty), sides very similar to back but paler ; rest 
of under parts including lower tail-coverts yellow; whitish ring around eye. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, breeding north of the United States. “Winter 
residence unknown.” 

The Connecticut Warbler seems to have been met with by but few 
naturalists or collectors in the western or central portions of Pennsyl¬ 
vania. The writer shot one of these birds in September in Erie county, 
where Mr. Sennett has observed this bird as a migrant, not common. 
Dr. Van Fleet has found it in Clinton county as a rare migrant, and 
Prof. Roddy reports it as migratory in Perry and Lancaster counties. 
The writer has never seen a Connecticut Warbler anywhere in Pennsyl¬ 
vania during the spring migration, but in the fall, usually in Septem¬ 
ber, this species has been found to be quite common in bushy swamps 
and weedy places in the vicinity of streams and ponds in southeastern 
parts of the State. It is a quiet and secretive bird and as it frequents, 
almost constantly, the ground in thick weeds, grasses and bushes it fre¬ 
quently escapes observation. Feeds on beetles, larvae, spiders, snails 
and sometimes on small'seeds and berries. This bird “breeds in Mani¬ 
toba * and probably elsewhere in the interior of British America ”— 
(. Ridgway ). 

Geothlypis Philadelphia (Wils.). 

Mourning Warbler. 

Description. 

“ Wings but little longer than the tail, reaching but little beyond its base. 

“ Adult male. —Head and neck all round, with throat forepart of breast, ash-gray, 
paler beneath. The feathers of the chin, throat and forebreast in reality black, but 
with narrow ashy margins more or less concealing the black, except on the breast. 


* See article in Auk.. April, 1884, pages 192-193, by Mr. Ernest E. T. Seton. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


298 


Lores and region about the eye dusky, without any trace of a pale ring. Upper 
parts and sides of body clear olive-green; the under parts bright yellow. Tail- 
feathers uniform olive; first primary with the outer half of the outer web nearly 
white. 

“ Female with the gray of the crown glossed with olive ; the chin and throat paler 
centrally, and tinged with fulvous ; a dull whitish ring round the eye. Length 5.50; 
wing 2.45 ; tail 2.25.”— From Orn. of III. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America to the plains, breeding from the higher mount¬ 
ainous portions of Pennsylvania, New England and New York, and northern 
Michigan, northward. Central America and northern South America in winter. 

The Mourning Warbler breeds regularly in a few secluded mountain¬ 
ous districts of Pennsylvania. Duiing migrations is found very gener¬ 
ally throughout the state, but in all localities is reported to be rare. 
Mr. Otto Behr informs me that the Mourning Warbler breeds regularly 
in the mountainous regions of Sullivan county, and Dr. Yan Fleet has 
observed as a native about Renovo, in Clinton county. Frequents 
thickets and undergrowth; two specimens obtained by the writer were 
both shot in brush piles along the edge of a swampy thicket. This 
warbler arrives here usually from the 15th to the 20th of May. Food 
of two birds examined by the writer consisted of beetles and spiders. 


Goethlypis trichas (Linn.). 

Maryland Yellovv-throat. 

Description (Plate 42 ). 

Length of male about 5£ ; extent about 7| ; female rather smaller ; bill back ; legs 
pale-brown. 

Male, in summer .—Above olive-green ; forehead and a broad band through the 
ej^es and on side of neck pure black, bordered posteriorly with ashy ; chin, throat, 
breast, under-coverts, and edge of wing bright yellow, fading into a dull butf-white 
on belly ; wings and tail, glossed with yellowish-olive. 

Female, in summer.— Colors duller ; less yellow on under parts ; no black or ashy 
head markings; top of head, especially forehead, reddish-brown. The young gen¬ 
erally resemble the female, but young males may usually be known by indistinct 
black feathers on sides of head, though feathers of forehead are quite similar to 
those of female. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, mainly east of the Alleghanies, north to Ontario 
and Nova Scotia, breeding from Georgia, northward. In winter, south Atlantic and 
Gulf States and the West Indies. 

The Maryland Yellow-throat is an exceedingly abundant summer res¬ 
ident from about May 1st to the latter part of September. During 
migrations, particularly in the spring, it often visits apple trees to seek, 
among the leaves and blossoms, for numerous small insects. Frequents, 
especially, thickets, tangled underbrush, brush-piles and high weeds, 
generally near streams or swampy places. Its voice is rather loud, yet 
its song is not unmusical. 

This species builds a rather large cup-shaped nest of leaves and dried 
grasses, usually carefully concealed in a tussock of grass, among weeds, 
or at the base of low bushes, commonly in low and moist situations. 







BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


299 


The eggs, mostly five, are white, finely speckled, usually about the 
larger end, with black and brown. They measure about .70 by .50 of an 
inch. The Maryland Yellow-throat feeds on numerous kinds of small 
insects and larvae. 


Genus ICTERIA Yieillot. 

Icteria virens (Linn.). 

Yellow-breasted Chat. 

Description (Plate 96). 

Length about7£ ; extent about 10 inches; wings rounded and shorter than tail, 
which measures about inches in length ; bill rather long (measuring along gape 
about three-quarters of an inch), stout, higher than broad at base ; ridge of upper 
mandible and commissure much curved. Birds of this genus are the largest of the 
family. Upper parts olive-green ; chin, throat, chest, breast and inside of wings 
bright gamboge-yellow ; lower part of belly and under, tail-coverts white; eye-lids, 
line under lower jaw and a stripe above the black lores, white. Bill black ; feet lead 
color. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States to the plains, north to Ontario and southern New 
England, south, in winter, to eastern Mexico and Guatemala. 

The Yellow-breasted Chat arrives in Pennsylvania about the first week 
in May, and remains until about the 20th of September. Although this 
bird is an abundant summer resident in briery thickets and tangled un¬ 
dergrowth, in open woods or along the edges of woods, it is much 
oftener heard than seen. When migrating this bird skulks silently 
about bushes and thickets, but when he locates for the summer he be¬ 
comes one of the most noisy inhabitants of the place. Often when 
perched in a tree top near his favorite retreats his song is not unpleas¬ 
ant, but if his domain is invaded by a human being he flies into the 
bushes and greets the intruder with a most varied medley of whistling, 
cackling, whispering, uncouth guttural sounds, yet all the time remains 
hidden, and as he continually shifts his position it is often exceedingly 
difficult to detect him, even though he continues his varied sounds. 
By remaining perfectly quiet you generally can catch a glimpse of his 
bright eye and yellow breast, or see his white crissum as he turns in 
the tangled leafy shrubbery. The nest, composed of leaves, grapevine 
bark and grasses, is built usually in briery thickets. The eggs, four 
or five in number, are white, marked with reddish-brown. They meas¬ 
ure a little less than one inch in length and a trifle over three-quarters 
wide. The Chat feeds chiefly on different forms of insect life. He also 
subsists on wild strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, whortleberries 
and small wild grapes. 



300 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus SYLVANIA* Nuttall. 

Sylvania mitrata (Gmel.). 

Hooded Warbler. 

Description ( Plate 98, male). 

Length about 5| ; extent about 8| ; bill (dried skins) dark brownish-black. 

Male. —Forehead back to middle of eye, a streak above and behind eye and a 
large patch from base of lower mandible extending back over ears, bright yellow ; 
top of head, chin, large throat patch enclosing yellow auricular patch, continuous, 
with that of head, all deep black ; rest of under parts yellow ; inner webs of three 
outer parts of tail-feathers white. 

Female similar to male, but black much less distinct, sometimes entirely absent. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States, west to the plains, north and east to Michigan, 
southern New York, and southern New England. In winter, West Indies, eastern 
Mexico and Central America. 

Summer resident from early in May until about middle of Septem¬ 
ber ; tolerably common in some localities and rare in other sections. 
A nest with young of the Hooded Warbler was found some few years 
ago in Chester county, where this species is usually observed as a rare 
migrant. The late Prof. S. F. Baird noted this handsome and active bird 
as a regular summer resident in the higlands of Cumberland county. 
Beports received from the following-named gentlemen show that the 
species breeds regularly in a number of localities in our state. Lycom¬ 
ing county (A. Kock ); Lancaster county, breeds occasionally {Dr. A. C. 
Treichler); Clinton, Clearfield and Northumberland counties {Dr. Van 
Fleet)', Erie county {George B. Sennett ); Perry and Centre counties {H. 
J. Roddy). I have shot specimens of this species during the summer 
months in the counties of Elk, Cameron, Somerset, Susquehanna, 
Wayne, Schuylkill, Blair and Cambria, where doubtless these birds an¬ 
nually rear their young. Frequents usually secluded places in high 
damp woods, or thickets in close proximity to streams. Food consists- 
chiefly of beetles, larvae, aphides and spiders and occasionally, I think, 
it feeds on berries. I believe berries are sometimes eaten, because I 
have taken two specimens in the late summer which were more or less- 
stained about the head with what appeared to be berry-juice. 

Sylvania pusilla (Wils.). 

Wilson’s Warbler. / 

Description. 

Length about 4\ ; extent about 6^ ; top of head black ; forehead line over eye and en¬ 
tire under parts bright yellow ; sides of body and sides of head same color as back, 

* Bill broad and depressed ; distinctly notched near end ; culmen and commissure about straight to 
near the tip of maxilla which is slightly curved ; rictal bristles long and conspicuous ; wings longer than 
nearly even or slightly rounded tail ; wings unmarked ; eyes brown ; legs (dried skins) pale brownish- 
yellow. 


\ 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


301 


but much paler; upper parts except as previously mentioned olive-green ; wings 
and tail brownish and without any white. Female and young similar but duller ; 
the black-cap in some fall specimens is entirely wanting. Maxilla (dried skin) 
brownish-black ; mandible pale yellowish. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, west to and including the Rocky mountains, 
north to Hudson’s Bay territory and Alaska. Breeds chiefly north of the United 
States, migrating south to eastern Mexico and Central America. 

Wilson’s Warbler or Wilson’s Black-cap as it is generally called, 
occurs in Pennsylvania as a regular, but not common, spring and fall mi¬ 
grant. Arrives here usually about the middle of May and returns again 
in September. Frequents undergrowth in woods and thickets. Feeds 
on spiders, larvae, Hies, aphides, etc. 


Sylvania canadensis (Linn.). 

Canadian AVarbler. 


Description. 

Length about ; extent about 8| ; maxilla brownish-black ; mandible and legs 
pale flesh color ; no white on wings or tail; top of head black, quite uniform on 
forehead, but rest of black feathers of crown are extensively edged with the bluish 
ash of rest of upper parts ; ring around eye, and a streak from nostrils to eye yel¬ 
low ; chin, upper part of throat, lower part of breast and abdomen immaculate yel¬ 
low ; the black lores unite with a black patch under eyes, which is continuous with 
black on sides of neck, and thence extending across the forebreast in a showy series 
of black spots. Female and young similar but duller, the black markings in former 
are much duller and are absent on forehead ; the young males in the fall some¬ 
times have little or no black on breast. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, westward to the plains, and north to New¬ 
foundland, southern Labrador, and Lake Winnipeg, south, in winter, to Central 
America and northern South America. 

The Canadian Warbler occurs throughout Pennsylvania as a common 
migrant in the spring and fall; arrives about the 10th of May and when 
migrating southward is again seen in September. This beautiful bird 
so conspicuous in his suit of ashy-blue and yellow with black head dress 
and a showy black necklace, breeds sparingly in some of our secluded 
mountainous regions, viz: Lycoming county ( Kock ), Cumberland county 
{Baird), Clinton county {Van Fleet), McKean county {J. A. Teuton), 
Centre county {Roddy). The Canadian Warbler sometimes visits or¬ 
chards, trees and shrubbery about houses, but usually he frequents for¬ 
ests and is seen commonly on the lower branches of trees or in bushes, 
actively engaged in catching spiders, Hies, small beetles and other 
kinds of insects. 



302 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus SETOPHAGA Swainson 

Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). 

American Redstart. 


Description ( Plate 43 ). 

Length about 5£ ; extent about 8 inches ; bill and legs black. 

Male. —Prevailing color glossy black ; the belly and under tail-coverts white; 
sides of breast, large space at base of quills and basal half of tail-feathers, except 
middle pair which are black on inner webs, and axillaries orange red; sides and 
belly often tinged with orange-red; terminal third of tail and wings, except as de¬ 
scribed previously, blackish. 

“ Female with the black replaced by grayish-olive above, by brownish-white be¬ 
neath ; the head tinged with ash ; a grayish-white lore and ring round the eye; 
the red of the male replaced by yellow.” Young male similar to adult female but 
browner above, the yellow more of a reddish hue ; immature males are often seen 
with glossy black feathers singly or in patches. Two or three years are, it is said, 
required before this bird gains its perfect plumage. 

Habitat. —North America, north to Fort Simpson, west regularly to the Great 
Basin, casually to the Pacific coast, breeding from the middle portion of the United 
States northward. In winter, the West Indies, and from southern Mexico through 
Central America to northern South America. 

The Redstart during- migrations—May and September—is abundant 
and very generally distributed throughout the state. Although found 
in all sections of our commonwealth as a summer resident, as such it 
is much more numerous in the northern parts and mountainous regions 
than elsewhere. In the counties of Erie, Crawford, Lycoming, Blair, Cen¬ 
tre, Sullivan, Potter, McKean, and in fact in nearly all the higher moun¬ 
tainous regions, it is a rather common breeder, but in Chester, Dela¬ 
ware, Bucks and Lancaster counties it is seldom found breeding. Fre¬ 
quents chiefly forests, but often, in company with other warblers, visits 
fruit and shade trees about houses, lawns and parks. The male, in his 
showy dress of black, fiery orange and white, is one of the most attrac¬ 
tive inhabitants of the woods. Like a flycatcher, he darts from his 
perch with clicking bill to secure flying insects. In addition to their 
sharp and rapid song, these birds when hopping about the trees, fre¬ 
quently spread their tails; this peculiar habit of opening and closing 
the tail will often aid you in recognizing a Redstart, in the tops of high 
trees, when it otherwise might be unknown. The nest, a compact, cup- 
shaped structure, composed of various vegetable fibers, spiders’ webs, 
and horse hair, is built in the fork or on the horizontal limb of a small 
tree, six to twenty-five feet from the ground. The eggs, mostly four, 
are grayish-white or light greenish-white, thinly speckled or blotched 
with brown and purplish. They measure about .63 long by .50 wide. 
The Redstart feeds exclusively on an insect diet, consisting chiefly of 
flies, spiders, plant-lice, butterflies, beetles and different larvse. 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 303 


Family MOTACILLIDiE. Wagtails. 

Genus ANTHTJS Bechstein. 

Anthus pensilvanicus (Lath.). 

American Pipit; Brown Lark; Titlark. 

Description. 

Bill slender and acute, slightly notched at end ; few short bristles about gape; 
nostrils naked ; hind claw very long, slender, curved and sharp pointed ; Avings 
long and pointed, the point being formed by first four primaries; some tertial 
feathers are only a little shorter than longest primaries : base of lower mandible 
(dried skins) pale brownish yellow; rest of bill, also legs and feet dark brown ; 
eyes brown, above grayish brown with a more or less tinge of olive-green ; some 
feathers of back and pileum have dusky centers ; central pair of tail-feathers shorter 
than the other rectrices, and quite similar but somewhat darker than back ; outer 
pair of tail-feathers mostly white, and next pair of lateral tail-feathers have white 
spot at end ; rest of tail blackish ; ring round eye. anti a streak about it, pale yellow¬ 
ish-white ; chin and throat whitish ; under tail-coverts, middle of abdomen and 
lower part of breast brownish-yellow: jugulum, sides of breast and body pale 
brownish-yellow streaked with dusky. Length about 6| ; extent about 11 inches. 

Habitat. —North America at large, breeding in the higher parts of the Rocky 
mountains and subarctic districts, and wintering in the Gulf States, Mexico and 
Central America. 

The Titlark is a common spring- ancl fall migrant, arriving here usu¬ 
ally about the first week in October, and remaining generally until about 
the middle of November; occasionally small parties of these, shy queru¬ 
lous-voiced birds are seen as winter residents in our southern counties. 
When migrating northward this species agaiij makes its appearance 
about the middle of April, and oftentimes a few scattered individuals 
are found about plowed grounds or along pools and other wet places in 
fields, meadows, etc., as late as the middle of May. Titlarks, during 
their stay with us, are usually seen in flocks of from ten to twenty or 
forty each, but at times larger flocks (one hundred or two hundred each) 
may be observed. These birds sometimes alight on fences or on the 
dead limbs of trees, but usually they are seen, when not flying, on the 
ground, as Mr. Ridgway writes * they move “ with a graceful gliding walk, 
tilting the body and wagging the tail at each step, much in the manner 
of a Seiurus. It is very restless, the flocks seldom remaining long at one 
place, but soon taking wing, they flit to another spot, or in graceful 
sweeps pass and repass over a particular place before alighting.” In 
this region I have noticed that the Titlarks are nearly always to be found 
frequenting plowed fields, where they collect insects, and their larvae as 
well as small seeds on which they feed. 


* Ornithology of Illinois, p. 111. 






304 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Family TROGLODYTID^S. Wrens, Thrashers, Etc. 
Subfamily MIMING. Thrashers. 

THE THRASHERS. 

Three species of Thrashers are found in this commonwealth. These birds, as Dr. 
Coues remarks, “resemble wrens as much as thrushes, habitually residing in shrub¬ 
bery near the ground, relying for concealment as much upon the nature of their 
resorts as upon their own activity and vigilance.” The common Brown Thrush or 
Brown Mockingbird, as it is known to many, and the familiar Catbird are abundant 
summer residents throughout the state. Individuals of both these species some¬ 
times are seen during the early part of winter in our southern counties. The Mock¬ 
ingbird, a southern species, is a rare summer resident in a few localities in the 
southern parts of Pennsylvania, but as this plainly attired, yet exquisite vocalist, is 
a common cage-bird he is likewise one of our best known birds. These birds ai-e all 
noted for the melody of their song, and they also, especially the Mockingbird, 
possess wonderful powers of mimicry. Birds of this group feed largely on various 
kinds of destructive insects; they also subsist to a considerable extent on various 
kinds of small fruits; and the Catbird’s taste for grapes, strawberries, etc., is such 
that he has incurred the enmity of many farmers and fruitgrowers. 


Genus MIMUS Boie. 

Mimus polyglottos (Linn.). 

Mockingbird. 

Description ( Plate 99). 

Bill distinctly notched and slightly curved at tip of maxilla. Tail much longer 
than wing. Length about 10|, extent about 14| ; female smaller ; iris yellowish ; 
bill and legs (dried skins) brownish-black. Above grayish (some specimens have 
slight brownish tint on middle of back), below whitish, slightly grayish on breast ; 
three outer pairs of tail-feathers more or less white; rest of tail and also wings 
blackish, but wings have two white bars, and a large patch of same at base of pri¬ 
maries. 

Habitat .—United States, south into Mexico. Rare from New Jersey, the Valley 
of the Ohio, Colorado and California northward. 

Irregular and rare summer resident, arrives here about the 1st of May, 
and departs about the middle of October. A few birds of this species 
breed regularly in the southeastern parts of Pennsylvania, near the 
Delaware and Maryland State lines. Some thirty years ago several 
pairs of Mockingbirds, according to Mr. B. M. Everhart, the well-known 
botanist and naturalist, annually reared their young near the suburbs of 
West Chester, Chester county, where, for the past ten or fifteen years, 
this bird has been observed only as a casual visitant. Solitary Mock¬ 
ingbirds have, at irregular intervals, been taken in the late spring, sum¬ 
mer, fall and early winter months in different parts of the state, but 
some of these birds which I have had the privilege of examining were 
evidently escaped cage-birds. The Mockingbird builds a bulky nest of 
small sticks, weeds, pieces of string, cotton, etc., in thick bushes, low 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


305 


trees, hedge-rows, etc. The eggs, usually five in number, are pale green¬ 
ish-blue, spotted and blotched with differeiit shades of brown. These 
birds feed largely on coleopterous insects, larvae and other insects, and 
they also eat various kinds of small berries. 


Genus GALEOSCOPTES Cabanis. 
Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). 


Catbird. 


Description (Plate 72). 

Length about 9; extent about 1U inches; bill and feet black; iris brown; pre¬ 
vailing color dark slate, somewhat lighter beneath ; top of head and tail black ; 
under tail-coverts chestnut. The adult female is rather smaller than the male, and 
the young are duller in color, with little or no black on crown ; under parts paler ; 
under tail-coverts dull reddish. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States and British provinces, west to and including the 
Kocky mountains ; occasional on the Pacific coast. Winters in the Southern States, 
Cuba and middle America to Panama ; accidental in Europe. 


This well-known bird is a common summer resident from the last 
week in April to about November 1. The Catbird frequents all locali¬ 
ties, but is probably most numerous in briery thickets and tangled un¬ 
dergrowth near streams and ponds. Its bulky nest, constructed of 
dead twigs, roots, to which are often added dried leaves or grasses, is 
built mostly in bushes. The eggs, usually four, are deep greenish-blue 
and unspotted. They measure a little less than an inch long, and a 
trifle under three-quarters wide. These birds, like some other members 
of the family, subsist largely on different kinds of small fruits and ber¬ 
ries. In the early summer the Catbird feeds on cherries and strawber¬ 
ries ; later in the season, mulberries, blackberries and raspberries. Late 
in the summer and in the autumn he subsists mainly on berries of the 
spicewood and poke-plant, and also different varieties of both cultivated 
and wild grapes. This species, in the spring, especially in May, and 
also when breeding, feeds to a considerable extent on various “ worms,” 
beetles, flies, spiders, etc. The Catbird, so called because its sharp and 
petulant cry which is not unlike the mewing of a cat, is one of our most 
gifted and delightful songsters. 

Genus HARPORHYNCHUS Cabanis. 
Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.). 


Brown Thrasher; Brown Thrush. 

Description (Plate 44 ). 

Length about U| inches ; extent about 13 inches ; tail 5 or 6 inches ; bill black with 
base of lower mandible yellow ; legs pale brown ; iris of adult yellow ; iris of young 

20 Birds. 









306 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


brown ; upper parts reddish-brown ; greater wing-coverts edged with, and middle 
lower parts, white ; breast, sides and crissum strongly tinged with reddish-brown ; 
breast, sides and flanks conspicuously spotted with dark brown. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, west to Rocky mountains, north to southern 
Maine, Ontario and Manitoba, south to the Gulf States, including eastern Texas. 
Accidental in Europe. 

Common summer resident from about April 20 to late in September. 
The Brown Thrush, as this bird is usually called, is found in thickets 
and shrubbery; he frequently, especially in the morning* and evening*, 
repairs to the tops of trees, where, for hours at a time, he sing’s his varied 
and beautiful song. Like our common domestic fowls, he frequently 
may be seen scratching among the dead leaves or dusting himself by 
the roadside. He sometimes visits fields, where com is being planted, 
to pick up the scattered grains of maize, and some farmers assert that 
he often “ pulls up corn ” when it first appears above the ground. This 
species breeds usually in low bushes, in briery thickets, sometimes on 
the tops of old stumps covered with thick vines; very rarely, with us, 
do they build on the ground. The nest is a loose and bulky structure 
composed of small twigs, strips of bark, leaves, rootlets, etc. The eggs, 
four or five in number, are a light greenish or buffy color, thickly 
speckled with reddish brown. They are a little more than an inch long, 
and about three-quarters wide. 

Although these birds are generally shy and retiring, they will, if their 
eggs or young are disturbed, display great bravery in defending them. 
They will fly violently into a person’s face and strike with both bill and 
claws. When their home is invaded by a black snake, they assail such 
intruder in a most vigorous manner. I once saw a dog, which had 
upset a nest containing young thrushes, forced to make a speedy retreat 
when attacked by the old birds, who flew at his head and struck him in 
the eyes. The Brown Thrush feeds chiefly on insects, berries and small 
seeds. The following interesting remarks concerning this species are 
taken from Audubon’s Birds of America, Yol. Ill : “ My friend Bach¬ 

man who has raised many of these bilds, has favored me with the fol¬ 
lowing particulars respecting them: ‘ Though good-humored towards 
the person who feeds them, they are always savage towards all other 
kinds of birds. I placed three sparrows in the cage of a Thrush one 
evening, and found them killed, as well as nearly stripped of their feath¬ 
ers, the next morning. So perfectly gentle did this bird become, that 
when I opened its cage, it would follow me about the yard and garden. 
The instant it saw me take a spade or a hoe, it would follow at my heels, 
and, as I turned up the earth, would pick up every insect or worm thus 
exposed to its view. I kept it for three years, and its affection for me 
at last cost it its life. It usually slept on the back of a chair in my 
study, and one night the door being accidentally left open, it was killed 
by a cat. I once knew of a few of these birds to remain the whole of a 
mild winter in the State of New York in a wild state.’” 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


307 


T. M. Brewer, writing- of this Thrush, says: “I found a nest contain¬ 
ing three eggs, which I removed, leaving in their place three Robin’s 
eggs, and retired to wait the issue. In a few moments the female ap¬ 
proached, gave the contents of the nest a hasty survey, and immediately 
Hew off. She returned in a short time in company with her mate, and 
both ffew to the nest apparently in the greatest rage, took each an egg 
in their claws, and dashed it against the ground at a distance of more 
than a rod from the nest, the female repeating the same to the other 
egg. This done, they continued for some time to vent them rage on the 
broken eggs, tossing them about, and at the same time manifesting 
their displeasure in every possible way. They afterwards forsook the 
nest.” 

Subfamily TROGLODYTIN^l. Wrens. 

THE WRENS. 

Thirteen species, also “ six geographical forms ” and one “local race ” of this sub¬ 
family are recorded in the fauna of the United States. Of these twenty species and 
varieties, but six species are found in Pennsylvania. The House Wren, Bewick’s 
Wren, also the Marsh Wrens are found here only as summer residents. The Caro¬ 
lina Wren is most abundant in the summer; though commonly during mild win¬ 
ters individuals of this species are seen in the southern parts of the state. The Win¬ 
ter Wren breeds sparingly in the more northern and mountainous portions of this 
commonwealth, and during the winter months is very generally distributed through¬ 
out the lower third of the state. Wrens are plainly attired, different shades of 
brown being the prevailing color. These small, musical, active and quarrelsome 
birds are usually seen with the tail erect. They hide in thickets, weeds and grasses, 
holes in trees or rocks, also in boxes, and manifest “a fondness for prying into holes 
and dark places.” Wrens are notorious for their scolding propensity, and in this 
particular they are not unlike some females of the human race, whose chief object 
in life it would appear is to always annoy those about them. In writing of these 
birds, Dr. Coues says: “ They are sprightly, fearless and impudent little creatures, 
apt to show bad temper when they fancy themselves aggrieved by cats or people, or 
anything else that is big and unpleasant to them.” Marsh Wrens, as the name 
would indicate, inhabit marshes or swampy places along rivers ; they reside also in 
rank vegetation in sloughs and ponds. Long-billed Marsh Wrens often nest 
together in colonies, and construct globular nests, with small openings in the sides. 
These nests, suspended in herbage, are usually about a foot or eighteen inches above 
the water. When erecting these swaying houses, composed of coarse grass blades, 
dead leaves, lined with feathers or soft vegetable materials, the little builders are 
careful to fix them firmly to the strong coarse grasses or stems and leaves of plants 
which grow r high above the water. Their eggs, six and sometimes ten in number, 
are a uniform chocolate-brown color. The Short-billed Marsh Wren is said to build 
a nest similar to that of the Long-billed species, but its eggs differ from those of all 
other of our wrens, in being white and unspotted. The other of our native wrens 
nest in holes of trees, hollow fence rails, or in logs and stumps, in shrubbery, boxes 
and “various odd nooks and corners” about buildings. Their eggs are white, spot¬ 
ted or blotched with different shades of brown. The eggs of the largest species— 
Carolina Wren—measure about .75 of an inch long and about .60 wide ; those of 
other wrens are smaller, being about .68 long by .50 wide. The wrens feed entirely 
on an insect diet. 





308 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Genus THRYOTHORUS Vieillot. 

Thryothorus ludovicianus (Lath.). 

Carolina Wren; Mocking Wren; Great Carolina Wren 

Description ( Plate 78). 

Bill about as long as head, slender, almost straight, except at tip which is de- 
curved, and obsoletely notched ; wings and tail about equal in length ; wings are 
rounded and tail is nearly even ; maxilla (dried skins) brownish ; mandible paler; 
legs pale yellowish-brown; above reddish-brown, brightest on rump; throat and 
line over eye whitish ; rest of lower parts, yeilowish-brown (decidedly rusty in 
some individuals and paler in others) becoming darkest on flanks and tibiae ; lower 
tail-coverts whitish and rusty with transverse dusky bars ; middle and greater wing- 
coverts usually have small white spots. The brownish wings, tail (above) and upper 
tail-coverts more or less distinctly barred transversely with dusky. 

Length about 6 inches; extent about 7^; eyes brownish. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States (rare toward the northern border), west to the 
plains. Rare in southern New England. 

The Carolina, the largest of all our wrens, is a resident, and, although 
reported as occurring in nearly all parts of the state except in the higher 
mountainous regions, the species is much more plentiful in the lower half 
of the state than in the northern half. In some parts of the southeast 
and southwestern sections of Pennsylvania this shy, secretive and gifted 
songster is quite abundant. The Mocking Wren, as many term this 
bird, inhabits almost every locality, but he prefers to dwell in woodland, 
ravines and bushy places in the vicinity of water. He spends much of 
his time about brush piles, old logs and in the dead tops of fallen trees 
in woods. Like the Brown Thrush, or Indigo-bird, he often perches in 
the topmost branch of a tree or bush, and pours forth his loud, varied 
and melodious song. When feeding these birds like a creeper, may 
occasionally be observed circling about trunks of trees collecting beetles, 
larvae and spiders, from the crevices of the rough bark. Often, in winter, 
this species, like the little Winter Wren, comes about houses and can 
be seen hiding in wood-piles or prying into holes and other dark places 
about buildings. The rather bulky nest, of leaves, grasses, feathers, 
moss, etc., is sometimes in the interior of sheds or other outbuildings, 
but usually it constructs its nest in holes in stumps or logs, in secluded 
situations. I once found a nest with young in a hole among roots of a 
tree in the side of a bank along a creek, the nest was situated about 
three feet above the water. The eggs are usually six or seven in num¬ 
ber. I have seen this bird picking at grapes in the late fall and winter, 
possibly he sometimes eats small fruits. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


309 


Thryothorus bewickii (Aud.). 

Bewick’s Wren. 


Description. 

“Above dark rufous-brown ; rump and middle tail-feathers sometimes a little 
paler, and very slightly tinged with gray and together with the exposed surface of 
secondaries distinctly barred with dusky. Beneath soiled plumbeous-whitish ; 
flanks brown. Crissum banded ; ground color of quills and tail-feathers brownish- 
black. Length 5.50; wing 2.25 ; tail 2.50. Length from nostril .39 ; along gape .70.” 
{Hist. N. Am. B .) 

Habitat .—Eastern United States, to Eastern Texas and the eastern border of the 
Plains ; north to New Jersey and Minnesota. 

Rare summer resident in the eastern and central portions of Pennsyl¬ 
vania, and not reported as occurring in any of the northern counties, but 
in some of the southwestern counties, beyond the mountains, it is said 
to be tolerably frequent. From personal observation I am unable to give 
any information concerning this species, relative to which the following 
interesting remarks are borrowed from Robert Ridgway’s Ornithology of 
Illinois: “ No bird more deserves the protection of man than Bewick’s 
Wren. He does not need man’s encouragement, for he comes of his own 
accord and installs himself as a member of the community wherever it 
suits his taste. He is found about the cow-shed and bam along with the 
Pewee and Barn Swallow; he investigates the pig-sty; then explores 
the garden fence, and finally mounts to the roof and pours forth one of 
the sweetest songs that ever was heard. Not a voluble gabble, like the 
House Wren’s merry roundelay, but a fine, clear, bold song, uttered as 
the singer sits with head thrown back and long tail pendent,—a song 
which may be heard a quarter of a mile or more, and in comparison 
with which the faint chant of the Song Sparrow sinks into insignifi¬ 
cance. The ordinary note is a soft low plit, uttered as the bird hops 
about, its long tail carried erect or even leaning forward, and jerked to 
one side at short intervals. In its movements it is altogether more de¬ 
liberate than either T. ludovicianus or T. aedon, but nothing can excel 
it in quickness when it is pursued. 

“ The nest of Bewick’s Wren is placed in all sorts of odd places. Usu¬ 
ally it is in a mortise-hole of a beam or joist, or some well-concealed 
corner. One was beneath the board covering of an ash-hopper; another 
in a joint of stove pipe which lay horizontally across two joists in the 
garret of a smoke-house; a third was behind the weather-boarding of 
an ice-house, while a fourth was in the bottom of the conical portion of 
a quail-net that had been hung up against the inner side of a buggy- 
shed. None of these nests would have been found had not the bird been 
seen to enter. The nest is generally very bulky, though its size is regu¬ 
lated by that of the cavity in which it is placed. Its materials consist 
of sticks, straw, coarse feathers, fine chips, etc., matted together with 







310 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


spiders’ webs and lined with tow and soft feathers of barnyard fowls. 
The egg’s are usually seven to nine in number, but occasionally more, 
and are white, rather sparsely speckled round the larger end with brown.” 


Genus TROGLODYTES Vieillot. 

Troglodytes aedon Vieill. 

House Wren. 

Description (Plate 45 ). 

Length about 4f inches ; extent about 6f ; bill, legs and eyes brown, above brown, 
rusty on rump and tail; lower parts dull brownish-white or grayish-white ; more or 
less waved or barred with darker shades ; back very obscurely or not at all barred. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States and southern Canada, w*est to Indiana and 
Louisiana. 

Common summer resident. Arrives here usually about April 20, and 
remains until about the 1st of October. In Washington county Messrs. 
Compton, Warrick and Nease record this species as a rare summer resident. 
The common representative of this group in Washington county is the 
Carolina Wren, which is found there during all months of the year. Dur¬ 
ing the summer is found mostly about orchards and in shrubbery near 
buildings. When migrating these birds are often seen in woods, but 
they seldom breed there. The nest of twigs, wool, strings, feathers, 
hair, grasses, etc., is built in various odd places; holes in trees, boxes 
and hollow fence rails are the most usual building sites. They will 
build also in an old hat, the sleeves of an old coat or back of loose 
weather boards on buildings. In the summer of 1888, Mr. Geo. B. Sen- 
nett and the writer found a nest, with four young, built in a cavity in a 
sand bank along the roadside. The eggs, six to nine, mostly seven, 
measure about .65 long by .50 wide. They are pinkish or creamy- 
white, speckled with reddish-brown ; the brown markings are generally 
darker colored about the larger end, though the lighter ground color 
is often almost entirely hidden by the brown coloration. With us at 
least two broods are raised in a season. The House Wren feeds on 
beetles, spiders, flies, “ moth-flies,” grasshoppers and larvae. 


Troglodytes hiemalis Vieill 

Winter Wren. 


Description (Plate 72). 

Length about 4 ; extent about 6 inches ; upper bill, end of lower, tarsi and eyes 
brown, rest of lower bill and toes yellowish-brown. Above reddish-brown, darkest 
on head, brightest on rump and tail. Everywhere except on head and upper part 
of back with transverse bars of dusky and lighter ; lower parts pale reddish-brown ; 
belly, flanks and crissum strongly barred with blackish and whitish ; the outer 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


311 


webs of several primaries barred with white and dusky ; an obscure line over eye, 
and streaks or spots on sides of head and neck whitish. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America generally, breeding from the northern parts of 
the United States northward, and wintering from about its southern breeding limit 
southward. 

Common winter resident in southern parts of Pennsylvania from early 
in October to about the middle of April. Breeds regularly though 
somewhat sparingly in the northern and mountainous portions of the 
state. During its residence with us frequents chiefly overhanging 
banks of streams, the projecting or upturned roots of trees, brush piles 
and dead logs in woods or thickets near watery places. The sharp 
chirr of this sly and secretive little creature may often be heard— 
though the bird is hidden from view—in wood-piles about houses, where 
it comes to seek insects and larvie, on which it feeds exclusively. I 
have never seen the nest or eggs of the Winter Wren. The nest is said 
to be built generally in “thick coniferous woods,” in a hole or crevice of 
a stump or log, close to the ground, and constructed of moss, twigs, 
lichens, lined with feathers or hair. “Eggs, five to eight, .65 by .48, 
pure white, minutely dotted with reddish-brown and purplish” ( Ooues ). 

Mr. Otto Belir says (letter February, 1890) of this species in Sullivan 
county : “ The Winter Wren is quite common with us in summer, but 

I have never seen him in the middle of winter. It is a very retiring 
bird, never coming out in open ground in summer. He is invariably 
found in some dark wood at the edge of a swamp. He is a splendid 
singer, with a voice entirely out of proportion to his size, and can be 
heard a long way off, but is rather difficult to approach. We found his 
nest but once. It was built on the side of a mossy log that laid across 
a small run in a dark rocky place. The nest was composed entirely of 
moss with the entrance at one side near the bottom; it contained six 
eggs which resembled those of the common Chickadee. The eggs were 
fresh ; time July 4.” 

Genus CISTOTHORUS Cabanis. 

Cistothorus stellaris (Licht.). 

Short-billed Marsh Wren. 

Description. 

Bill short, about half the length of head; wings and tail about equal. Above 
dark brown ; back part of crown, middle of back and rump quite blackish and con¬ 
spicuously streaked with white; throat and central portion of abdomen whitish ; 
wings and tail barred with blackish and brown ; sides of body, sides of breast and 
under tail-coverts reddish-brown ; maxilla blackish ; mandible paler, legs, feet and 
eyes brown. Dengtli about inches ; extent about 6|. 

Habitat.— Eastern United States and southern British provinces, west to the 
plains. Winters in the Gulf States and southward. 

Regular but apparently rare summer resident. Inhabits sloughs and 






312 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


extensive swampy places. This species is quite shy and owing 1 to the fact 
that these birds frequent the thick grasses, rushes and rank weeds in, 
often almost impenetrable swamps, they frequently escape notice. I am 
inclined to think the Short-billed Marsh Wren is more plentiful and gen¬ 
erally distributed, in suitable localities, throughout the state than it is 
usually supposed to be by naturalists and collectors. Concerning 
this species Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, writes me as fol¬ 
lows : “ Mr. John Mack brought me a nest, which he found below Qua- 
kertown, Bucks county, while hunting Woodcock. The nest was newly 
constructed, but contained neither eggs or young. Later I found a nest 
with fresh eggs, in the month of July, on Chain Dam island, Lehigh river.” 
I have observed this wren as a summer resident in Chester and Delaware 
counties; it breeds regularly, according to Dr. A. C. Treichler, in Lan¬ 
caster ; Mr. Sennett has never observed it in Erie county, but Mr. H. C. 
Kirkpatrick, of Meadville, informs me it is a summer resident in the low 
swamps and marshes in Crawford county. It is not reported as occur¬ 
ring in any of our mountainous districts. This species arrives here 
about the last week in April, and remains until about the 1st of October. 
Food of seven of these wrens examined by the writer consisted of bee¬ 
tles and spiders. 


Cistothorus palustris (Wils.). 

Long-billed Marsh Wren. 

Description. 

Bill about as long as head; maxilla blackish ; mandible blackish toward end, 
but paler at base; legs pale brown (in dried specimens dark brown) ; eyes dark 
brown ; length b\ or a little over ; extent nearly 7 inches. Above dull brown, a lit¬ 
tle brighter on rump; crown and space on back nearly black ; pileum is divided by 
a faint brownish median stripe; interscapular region and sides of neck streaked 
(short) with white; tail blackish and barred transversely ; a white streak over and 
extending back of eye ; lower parts whitish, sides, flanks and under tail-coverts 
more or less light reddish-brown ; under tail-coverts, faintly barred. 

Habitat .—Southern British America and the United States, south, in winter, to 
Guatemala. 

The Long-billed Marsh Wren, an inhabitant of low marshy grounds 
grown up with sedges and high grasses, is a common summer resident, 
in suitable localities, throughout the state. It arrives in Pennsylvania 
about the same time as the Short-billed Marsh Wren, and remains usu¬ 
ally a little longer than its short-billed relative, before leaving fo£ its 
winter home. I have captured individuals in southern Pennsylvania as 
late as the middle of October. The song of this species, Mr. Bidgway* 
says, “resembles somewhat that of the House Wren, but is much less 
agreeable, having a peculiar sputtering or scolding character.” The 
following paragraphs relating to this vivacious and secretive little den- 


* Ornithology of Illinois, p. 100. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


313 


izen of swamps, published in the February number (1887) of the Orni¬ 
thologist and Oologist, have been kindly given to me by Mr. Jackson for 
publication in this report: 

“During the latter part of May, 1886, while exploring an extensive 
swamp within a few miles of West Chester (Chester county), my atten¬ 
tion was attracted by a strange, unfamiliar bird note coming from a 
clump of calamus that grew in about two feet of water. Pausing a 
moment to listen for the song again, the bird flew from its hiding place 
to a tree near by, uttering at the same time its harsh, rattling song. In 
it I recognized the Long-billed Marsh Wren. * * * * ^ further 

search revealed a number of finished, though unoccupied nests, located 
in clusters in various parts of the swamp. At this time there were 
probably eight or ten nests in different stages of composition, but none 
of them contained eggs. About three weeks later, on the 12th of June, 
in company with a friend, I again visited the locality. The birds were 
still there; one of them, probably the male, singing constantly, and flying 
restlessly from one spot to another. After searching the whole ground 
over, and examining twenty or more nests, we at last came upon the 
right one in a bunch of tall calamus, containing six eggs. Five of these 
were well advanced; the sixth perfectly fresh. It is possible that there 
might have been two or more pairs of these birds in the swamp, as it 
seems almost incredible that a single pair of them could construct so 
many nests; but I could not find any more birds. This set of eggs was 
a typical one of the Long-billed Marsh Wren, though probably some¬ 
what darker than the average. The nest was composed mainly of coarse 
blades of grass (tussock) woven in with the leaves of the calamus, and 
lined with pieces of dead leaves, a few feathers and other soft material. 
It hung about eighteen inches above the water, and was by no means a 
conspicuous object”— Thos. H. Jackson , West Chester , Pa. The Long¬ 
billed Marsh Wren feeds on different kinds of aquatic insects, particu¬ 
larly beetles and spiders. 


Family CERTHIIDiE. Creepers. 

Genus CERTHIA Linnjsus. 

Certhia familiaris americana (Bonap.). 

Brown Creeper. 

Description {Plate 92). 

Tail-feathers long, rigid and acute quite like a woodpecker’s; bill slender, acute, 
compressed and decurved, unnotched and without bristles; hind toe and claw 
largest and longest; inner toe longer than outer, three toes in front, one behind. 
Length about 5^ ; extent about 8 or little less ; maxilla brownish-black ; mandible, 
except tip which is blackish, yellowish flesh color ; legs and feet pale brown ; eyes 
brown. Above brownish and blackish, eacli feather with white central streak ; rump 







314 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


bright rusty; white line over eye ; below white; feathers about vent and under tail- 
coverts, in most specimens, are soiled, more or less, with pale reddish-brown ; large 
wing-quills, except outer two or three primaries, transversely barred with pale red¬ 
dish-white. 

Habitat .—North America in general, breeding from the northern and more ele¬ 
vated parts of the United States northward, migrating southward in winter. 

The Brown Creeper is a rather abundant spring- and fall migrant 
throughout the state. In winter it is also frequently met with, but is never 
as common during the winter months as when migrating in April and 
October. This unsuspicious and brown-coated creeper frequents chiefly 
forests; he also sometimes is seen in trees in lawns, parks and gardens. 
Like a woodpecker, this bird creeps up and around the trunks of trees; 
and so similar is the coloration of his upper parts, to the rough bark 
over which he nimbly moves, that he frequently escapes notice. 
Although unsuspicious, often permitting you to approach within a few 
feet of the tree-trunk on which he so industriously is seeking his insect 
food, he usually, when closely approached, quietly and quickly slips 
round to the opposite side of the tree from the observer. I have never 
observed this species in Pennsylvania in summer, but that it breeds 
sparingly in our mountainous regions there is ample proof. 

Prof. August Kock mentions it as a regular but rather rare breeder in 
the mountainous districts of Lycoming county, in the neighborhood of 
Williamsport. Mr. George B. Sennett informs me that this bird breeds 
occasionally in the elevated parts of Erie county, where it also is some¬ 
times seen during mild Avinters. Prof. H. Justin Roddy has found 
these birds during the summer months in the mountains of Perry and 
Centre counties. In the forests of Sullivan county, at an altitude of 
about 2,000 fee^, the Brown Creeper is reported, by Mr. Otto Behr, to be 
a regular, though not common, summer resident. “ They breed in hoi- # 
low trees, in the deserted holes of the woodpeckers, and in the decayed 
stumps and branches of trees. Their nest is a loose aggregation of soft, 
warm materials, not interwoven, but simply collected with regard to no 
other requisite than warmth. * * * Their eggs are small in propor¬ 

tion to the size of the bird, are nearly oval in shape, with a grayish- 
white ground, sparingly sprinkled with small, fine, red and reddish- 
brown spots. They measure .55 by .43 of an inch.” (Hist. N. Am. B.). 
Food consists entirely of insects, especially small beetles, larvse, ants, 
flies, etc. 


Family PARID^l. Nuthatches and Tits. 

« 

Subfamily SITTING. Nuthatches. 

THE NUTHATCHES. 

Nuthatches are so named from their habit of placing nuts, seeds, etc., in crevices in 
limbs or in cracks in bark and hammering away with the hard, sharp-pointed and 
awl-like bill until the shell is broken and its nutritious and softer contents exposed. 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


315 


In the fall and winter these birds feed to a considerable extent on nuts, especially 
chestnuts, acorns and beech nuts, as well as the seeds of many kinds of weeds; 
their main lood, however, consists of different species of tree-inhabiting beetles, 
larvae, insect eggs, ants, spiders, etc., which they secure when climbing about the 
limbs and trunks of trees. The White-breasted—the most abundant of our three 
species—sometimes feeds on grains of maize which he places in a crevice of a fence 
rail or in a suitable chink in the rough bark of a tree and with a few strokes of the 
bill the grain is soon broken into fragments and eaten. Both the White-breasted 
and Red-breasted Nuthatches are resident in Pennsylvania, but the Brown-headed 
Nuthatch-—a southern bird—if found here, occurs only as a rare and irregular strag¬ 
gler about our southern borders. The white-breasted species, although found gener¬ 
ally throughout the commonwealth as a rather common resident, appears to be rather 
more numerous during winter in the lower half of the state than to the northward. 
The Red-breasted Nuthatch breeds sparingly in our higher mountain and northern 
districts and in winter is observed as an irregular visitor in our southern counties. 
In southeastern Pennsylvania this last-named bird is more frequently met Avith in 
October and the early part of November, than at any other period of the year. Birds 
of this group ascend the limbs and trunks of trees with as much ease and celerity 
as any of the woodpeckers. In fact this woodpecker-like habit has given rise to 
the vernacular name of “Sapsucker” by which Nuthatches as well as all the smaller 
kinds of woodpeckers are commonly known in this region. Woodpeckers, as Dr. 
Coues states, rarely if ever climb head downward, but Nuthatches frequently are 
seen descending vertical limbs, etc., head downward. They usually are seen 
singly, in pairs, or single families, but sometimes small scattered flocks of these 
noisy, restless and unsuspicious-little creepers are observed in woods. In Florida 
where Brown-headed Nuthatches are very abundant, I have found them during the 
winter and spring in flocks of considerable size, frequenting the tops of tall trees 
in open pine woods. These birds, because of the vast num bers of destructive in¬ 
sects they destroy, are highly beneficial, and merit the protection of farmers and 
fruit-growers, some of whom, unfortunately, from a mistaken idea that they suck 
the sap of fruit trees, destroy them when they visit the orchards. 

Nuthatches build warm nests of feathers, hair, grasses, etc., in holes in trees or 
stumps, and lay, usually, five or six eggs, which are white and spotted with reddish- 
brown. Bill about as long as head, awl-shaped, stout, very acute, compressed and 
unnotched ; nostrils concealed by tufts of feathers ; wings long and pointed, prima¬ 
ries ten, first very small. The nearly even tail, considerably shorter than the wings, 
is quite broad and composed of soft rounded (at end and not rigid and acute like 
a woodpecker’s) feathers. Four toes, three in front one behind ; claws sharp and 
curved. Bill and legs are blackish ; lower mandible is generally paler at base; 
; eyes brown. 


Genus SITTA Linnaeus. 

Sitta carolinensis Lath. 

White-breasted Nuthatch; White-bellied Nuthatch. 

Description {Plate 4 . 6 ). 

Length about 6 ; extent about 11 inches ; bill blue-black, base of lower mandible 
paler ; legs and iris brown. 

Adult male .—Back and rump ashy-blue ; top of head and back of neck glossy 
black ; tail (except two middle feathers, which are same color as back) black, spot¬ 
ted with white ; lower parts, sides of head and neck white; flanks and lower tail- 
coverts rusty brown. Female and young similar though the black on head is in¬ 
distinct, or sometimes absent. 

Habitat .—Southern British provinces and eastern United States to the Rocky 
mountains. 






31G 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


The White-breasted Nuthatch, generally known in this locality by the 
name of “ Sapsucker,” is a common resident throughout the state. 
During the summer this species inhabits trees in groves and forests, 
but in winter it visits trees of orchards, yards and gardens in quest of 
food. The name of “Sapsucker,” given to this bird and also to the 
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, is, when so used, a misnomer, as 
neither the nuthatch or either of the woodpeckers ever feed on sap. 
Nuthatches, like woodpeckers, creep about the trunks and limbs of trees 
searching for insects, or their eggs, and various larvae. The nuthatch 
deposits its eggs, usually five or six in number, in a warm bed of feath¬ 
ers, hair and grasses which are placed in holes of trees. The eggs are 
white, speckled with reddish-brown; about .75 long by .55 wide. These 
birds, in addition to feeding on various forms of insect-life, also eat 
nuts, acorns, Indian corn, and various seeds, which they frequently stick 
into the crevices of bark or in cracks of fence rails, and hammer away 
with their bills until the nut or other food stuff is sufficiently broken 
that it may be swallowed. 


Sitta canadensis Linn. 

Red-breasted Nuthatch. 

Description {Plate 58). 

Length about 4f ; extent about 8§. Above dark ashy-blue ; below reddish-brown 
(some specimens have feathers about chin and throat whitish), crown and sides of 
head black (these parts in female are dark grayish); a white superciliary stripe } 
lores blackish ; tail feathers, except central pair, tipped with white. 

Habitat .—North America at large, breeding mostly north of the United States, mi¬ 
grating south in winter. 

The Red-breasted Nuthatch breeds sparingly in the higher mountain¬ 
ous and northern parts of the state. In the southern parts of the com¬ 
monwealth it occurs as a rather rare winter visitant. During the spring 
and fall migrations this species is more frequently met with than at any 
other time. I have found this nuthatch to be quite plentiful in Octo¬ 
ber and the early part of November in Erie county, and Mr. Sennett in¬ 
forms me it breeds sparingly in portions of Crawford county, where it is 
found at all seasons of the year. In the southeastern part of our state 
(Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties) these birds, according to 
my observation, are found as rather irregular winter residents ; during 
severe winters they generally go farther southward. Prof. H. J. Roddy 
has found this bird breeding in the mountainous regions. Food of the 
Red-breasted Nuthatch is similar to that of the last described species. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


317 


Sitta pusilla Lath. 

Brown-headed Nuthatch. 


Description. 

Smallest of all our species. 

Bill rather stout; maxilla and terminal third of mandible black, rest of lower man¬ 
dible yellowish (dried skins). Length about 4 inches or alittle more ; extentabout 
8. Top of head and nape brown ; lores and streak back of e ve similar to pileum but 
darker; a distinct white spot on hind neck; edge of wing and chin white ; under 
part generally grayish, or pale-brownish white. Tail is less varied with white than 
either of two last described species. 

Habitat .—“South Atlantic and Gulf States, north, regularly, to lower Maryland 
and Virginia (lower Potomac, shores of Chesapeake Bay, etc.), casually to Ohio, 
Michigan, Missouri (Pennsylvania?), etc ."—Ridgway. 

The Brown-lieacled Nuthatch, a southern bird, and one which is much 
smaller than either of the two previously mentioned species, I have 
never observed in Pennsylvania, where it is recorded as occurring- only 
as a casual or accidental visitor. Dr. Turnbull (Birds of East Pennsyl¬ 
vania) gives it as a rare straggler in summer to the southern counties. 
The late C. D. Wood, had a specimen in his collection which he stated 
had been captured near Philadelphia, in the autumn (about 1885). 

The stomach contents of twenty-three of these birds (adults and young) 
captured in Florida, during the winter and spring months, and examined 
by the writer consisted exclusively of insects, chiefly beetles, larvae and 
ants. 


Subfamily PARING. Titmice. 

THE TITMICE. 

About a dozen species and several subspecies of this group are recorded as belonging 
to the fauna of North America; of these three species only are found in Pennsylvania. 
Two—the Tufted Titmouse and Chickadee are common, but the Carolina Chickadee 
appears to have been observed, except as a straggler, only in the southeastern part of 
Pennsylvania (Chester, Delaware, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties). The nests, 
composed of feathers, hair, cotton, grasses and other soft and warm materials, are 
built in holes of trees or stumps ; the eggs, five to eight in number, are white, spotted 
or speckled’ with reddish-brown. Titmice sometimes, like woodpeckers, excavate 
holes in rotten wood, in which they rear their young, but usually I think these birds 
endeavor to make use of old holes and commonly only dig new holes when they are 
unable to find old ones which will be suitable for a nesting place. The writer has 
examined eleven nests of Titmice, and but two of these were built in what appeared 
to be new excavations, and both of these were in decaying willow stumps, along a 
swamp in the edge of a woods. In summer Titmice are usually found in woods and 
thickets, but in winter these active, vociferous and restless birds frequently come 
singly or in small fiocks about our yards and gardens. The Chickadee or “Tom-tit,” 
by which latter name he is known to many, is much more abundant than either of 
the other species, and in the autumn and winter he is one of the frequent visitors to 
orchards and shrubbery about houses. During the late spring, summer and early 
fall Titmice subsist mainly on an insect diet, consisting principally of different 
larvae, small beetles, plant-lice, spiders, ants, etc. In winter they devour various 












318 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


I 


kinds of insects that can be found, but their main food, at this time, is made up of 
seeds of different weeds and grasses; they also eat berries, and, like the Nuthatches, 
they often feed on chestnuts, acorns and cereals. Titmice, like Jays, are carnivo¬ 
rous and sometimes, according, to Nuttall (and other writers), “ they carry their dep¬ 
redations so far as to pursue and attack sickly birds, even ot their own species, com¬ 
mencing like Jays, by piercing the skull, and devouring the brain”—( Nuttall ). 

Primaries ten, the first very short, being about half as long as second ; nostrils hid¬ 
den by antrorse bristly feathers ; wings short and rounded, equal to or shorter than 
the rather long, soft and almost rounded tail ; the bill shorter than the head, is stout, 
hard, conical and rather blunt at tip, and unnotched. Three toes in front, and one 
behind ; bill blackish ; legs lead colored ; eyes brown. 

m 

Genus PARUS Linn^us. 

Parus bicolor Linn. 

Tufted Titmouse. 


Description (Plate 99). 

Length about 6 ; extent about 10 inches; bill black, both upper and lower outlines 
convex ; legs lead color ; crown with a conspicuous crest; upper parts ashy or leaden- 
gray ; forehead dull sooty-black ; lower parts whitish ; sides and flanks rusty brown. 
In the young the crest is shorter, and the black of the forehead, also the rusty brown 
of the sides very indistinct. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States to the plains, but rare towards the northern 
border, being a straggler merely to southern New England. 

Common resident particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania; gener¬ 
ally found in forests, yet it often, especially in winter, comes around 
dwellings. May easily be recognized by its loud whistling notes or its 
ordinary cry of dee, dee , dee. Although this bird usually nests in holes 
of trees in woods, it occasionally builds in boxes about houses. The 
nest is composed of feathers, dried grasses, leaves, etc. The eggs, about 
three-fourths of an inch long and a little more than one-half wide, usually 
five or six in number, are white, speckled with reddish-brown and lilac. 
The Tufted Titmouse feeds on various forms of insect life, also seeds of 
different weeds and grasses, and at times he subsists on small berries. 
This species is seldom seen in Erie county, and it is also said to be rather 
rare in other of the northern counties. In many of the mountainous 
districts it is reported to be rare or found 

Parus atricapillus Linn. 

Chickadee; Black-cap Titmouse. 


y as a winter visitor. 


Description (Plate 47). 

Length about 5^ inches ; extent about 8 inches ; bill black ; legs bluish-gray ; head 
not crested. Back brownish ashy; top of head, chin and throat black ; sides of 
head white ; beneath whitish ; brownish on sides; wing and tail feathers margined 
with white. 

Habitat .—Eastern North America, north of the Potomac and Ohio Talleys. 









BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


319 


Common resident; found in all localities, but during the summer 
these birds are usually seen in woods and thickets, from which in win¬ 
ter they often come about houses, or, in small flocks, frequent weedy 
places in fields and swamps in search of food. The common name arises 
from their familiar note of cliicha-dee-dee. These birds sometimes nest 
in natural cavities, but frequently, woodpecker-like, they excavate holes 
in trees, stumps, etc., in which they build a nest of hair, feathers, mosses, 
fine dried grasses or other soft materials. The eggs, mostly six or seven, 
sometimes more, are white, spotted or dotted, chiefly about the larger 
end, with reddish-brown; measure about .60 long by .50 wide. Audubon 
writing of the Black cap says: They lay their eggs in the hole deserted 
by some small woodpecker. “As it has been my fortune to witness a 
pair at this work, I will here state what occurred, notwithstanding the 
opinion of those who informed us that the bill of a titmouse is * not 
shaped for digging.’ While seated one morning under a crab-apple 
tree, I saw two Black-cap Titmice fluttering about in great concern, as 
if anxious to see me depart. By their manners, I was induced to be¬ 
lieve that their nest was near, and anxious to observe their proceedings, 
I removed to a distance of about twenty paces. The birds now became 
silent, alighted on the apple-tree gradually moved towards the base of 
one of its large branches, and one of them disappeared in what I then 
supposed to be the hole of some small woodpecker; but I saw it pres- 
! ently on the edge, with a small chip in its bill, and again cautiously ap¬ 
proached the tree. When three or four yards off I distinctly heard the 
peckings or taps of the industrious worker within, and saw it come to 
the mouth of the hole and return many times in succession in the course 
of half an hour, after which I got up and examined the mansion. The 
hole was about three inches deep, and dug obliquely downward from 
the aperture, which was just large enough to admit the bird. I had 
observed both sexes at this labor.” The Chickadee feeds on different 
forms of insect life and the seeds of various weeds, grasses and other 
plants. Crumbs of bread, pieces of meat, fragments of apples, pears 
S and other fruits are also eaten. 


Parus carolinensis Aud. 

Carolina Chickadee. 

Description. 

Length about Q inches ; extent about 7. Similar to atricapillus but averaging 
smaller; the wing and tail dimensions in atricapillus average about the same, but 
in carolinensis the tail is a little shorter than the wing. The wings (tertials and 
greater coverts) lack the distinct white, so well marked in atricapillus. 

Habitat.— Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40°, west to Missouri, Indian 
Territory and eastern Texas. —Ridgway. 

The Carolina Chickadee, a southern species, has been found as an oc- 





320 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


casional summer resident in the southern part of Pennsylvania. Dr. 
Treichler has observed it as a rare breeder in the vicinity of Elizabeth¬ 
town, Lancaster county. Its nests and eggs have also been obtained in 
Chester county; in Clinton county Dr. W. Van Fleet records it as a 
straggler. In relation to the breeding of this species in Chester county, 
I am indebted to Dr. Wm. D. Hartman, the well known conchologist of 
West Chester, Penna., for the following: About fifteen years ago Dr. W. L. 
Hartman, of Pittston, Penn’a, found the Carolina Chickadee breeding in 
willow trees near a swamp, about three miles from W T est Chester. The 
nests, composed entirely of moss ( Sphagnum ), were all built in cavities 
in the decayed trunks of the willow trees. The first nest taken con¬ 
tained nine eggs, and after these were secured Dr. Hartman twice, in 
the course of about a month, secured two more nests in the same swamp. 
Each nest was placed in a new cavity which had nine eggs. When the 
last set of eggs was secured the old bird was captured and sent to the 
Smithsonian Institution and identified. Dr. Hartman saw but one pair 
of birds. The excavations, rather small at the entrance and quite roomy 
at the bottom, were unquestionably, the doctor believes, made by the 
birds whose eggs were taken. Food similar to that of the Black-cap 
Titmouse. 


Family SYLVIHLE. Kinglets and Gnatcatchers. 

Subfamily REGULIN.&I. Kinglets. 

THE KINGLETS. 

Two representatives of this subfamily, the smallest of all our species except the 
Hummingbird, are found in Pennsylvania. These the Ruby-crowned and Golden- 
crowned Kinglets are common and generally dispersed throughout the state. The 
Ruby-crowned is abundant during migrations (spring and fall) in woodland, thick¬ 
ets, orchards and it is also often seen in trees and shruhbery about the habita¬ 
tion of man, actively seeking insects. The Golden-crowned equally as plentiful as 
the other species, with which, during the spring and autumn, it frequently associates 
is one ot our most unsuspicious, dainty and interesting winter residents. Both of 
these species are usually found in this locality in flocks of from a half dozen to 
twenty (sometimes many more) each. These birds when migrating are often ob¬ 
served in considerable numbers in evergreens and bushes about streams. Kinglets, 
as their specific names indicate, have conspicuous color patches on the head. Ac- , 
cording to my observation these diminutive birds feed exclusively on insects, such as 
plant-lice, small beetles, flies, spiders and larvse ; some writers, however, assert that 
they subsist, in part, on small berries and different seeds, which they break open 
by striking with the bill in the same manner as a Titmouse. The blackish, slender 
and straight bill, much shorter than head, is notched at tip, depressed at base, and 
much compressed toward the terminal half. Conspicuous rictal bristles; tail 
moderately forked and shorter than the wings. First primary about one-third as 
long as second, which is shorter than third, fourth, fifth or sixth, but about equal 
to the seventh. Eyes brown. Legs and feet (dried skins) yellowish-brown. 




BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


321 


Genus REGULUS Cuvier. 

Regulus satrapa Licht. 

Golden-crowned Kinglet. 

Description (Plate 48 ). 

Length about 4 ; extent about 6.50; legs brownish-yellow ; feet yellowish ; bill 
black. Upper parts olive-green; wings and tail dusky, edged with yellowish; 
crown (adult male) bordered in front, also on sides, with black, embracing a central 
patch of fiery orange-red encircled by yellow. The female has no flame-colored 
patch ; crown is entirely yellow, margined with black ; wing and tail-feathers edged 
with yellowish ; lower parts dull whitish. 

“ Female, first plumage. —Pileum (including forehead) dark smoky-brown ; line 
over the eye entirely cut off at its anterior corner by the junction of the dusky lores 
with the brown of the forehead ; tertiaries broadly tipped with white; breast 
strongly washed with pale brown color; otherwise like adult. From a specimen in 
my collection taken at Upton, Me., August 25, 1874. A young male taken August 
25, 1873, is in every way similiar. A good series of specimens of various ages shot 
during August and the early part of September illustrate well the transitional 
stages. First the brown of the pileum darkens into two black stripes, while the line 
over the eye broadens to meet its external margin. Next, two lines of yellow feath¬ 
ers appear inside and parallel with the black ones, while the orange of the central 
space (of the male) is produced last” ( Brewster , Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, June, 1878, 
19). From Orn. of 111. 

Habitat. —North America generally, breeding in the northern and elevated parts 
•of the United States and northward, migrating south in winter to Guatemala. 

Common winter resident from about the middle of October to the 
middle of April. This species is most numerous in October, November, 
March and April, or when migrating south and north. The Golden- 
orowned Kinglet frequents the tops of tall forest trees as well as low 
bushes, and frequently, particularly when migrating in the spring and 
fall, is found, in company with the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (R. calendula), 
in apple orchards. Kinglets are generally seen in small flocks. They 
feed on various forms of insect life; they are very expert in capturing 
small insects upon the wing, and destroy great numbers of plant-lice, 
spiders, flies, ants, besides devouring large numbers of insect eggs and 
larvae. 

Mr. Robert Ridgway ( Ornithology of Illinois, p. 76) says: “ The deli¬ 
cate little Golden-crowned Kinglet—smaller even than the Ruby-crown— 
is known in Illinois, and, indeed, in all portions of the United States, 
except the northern coniferous woods and similar forests of the higher 
mountains, only as a winter visitant or resident. He is most often seen 
during clear frosty mornings in midwinter, and seems particularly in his 
element when the trees are decked with an icy covering of sleet—when 
the woods appear like fairy land, and the pure crisp air instills fresh 
vigor to those who sally forth to enjoy its exhilarating influence. Then 
the little gold-crests may be seen in woods or parks in scattered troops, 
nimbly hunting among the crystal branches, now hanging, in titmouse 
21 Birds. 





322 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


fashion, then dropping to another limb, and carelessly hopping about 
apparently not feeling the contact of the ice with their dainty feet. At 
such times none of our birds are tamer than these dainty little creatures 
and none certainly more lovely. They come about the intruder as if 
utterly unmindful of his presence, often so near that the sparkle of the 
little black eye, the flash of the glowing orange crown, and every detail 
of his pretty plumage can be seen.” My friend Prof. August Kock, of 
Williamsport, informs me he has occasionally met with this species and 
their young in August and September in Lycoming county. Perhaps 
future investigations will show that this species breeds sparingly in 
some of the extensive coniferous forests of our higher mountain ridges. 
I have never seen the Golden-crown in this state before the 20th of Sep¬ 
tember, but have seen two or three specimens of this species which 
were said to have been taken in Pennsylvania in midsummer. 


Regulus calendula (Linn.). 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 

Description. 

Length 4£ to 4| ; extent about 6^ ; above dark olive-green ; rump and outer edges 
of wing and tail-feathers bright olive-green ; wing-bars, ring round eye and outer 
edges of inner tertials white. Below grayish-white, more or less shaded, especially 
on sides and flanks, with pale yellowish-olive. Large concealed patch of scarlet on 
crown in male. Female and young lack this bright crown patch. 

Habitat .—North America, south to Guatemala, north to the Arctic coast, breeding 
mostly north of the United States. 

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is an abundant spring and fall migrant, 
arriving in Pennsylvania early in April and remaining until about the 
1st of May. Frequents woods, orchards and thickets. After rearing 
their young in more northern latitudes these diminutive creatures reap¬ 
pear in this region about the last week in September, and single indi¬ 
viduals or small scattered flocks occasionally remain as late as the first 
week in November. The food of this species is similar to that of the 
Golden-crown. “This species of Regulus appears to lack the small 
feather which in satrapa overlies and conceals the nostrils, which was 
probably the reason with Cabanis and Blyth for placing it in a different 
genus. There is no other very apparent difference of form, however, 
although this furnishes a good character for distinguishing between 
young specimens of the two species ” {Hist. N. Am. B.). 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


323 


Subfamily POLIOPTILINAI. Gnatcatchers. 

Genus POLIOPTILA Sclater. 

Polioptila cserulea (Linn.). 

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. 

Description. 

Bill long and slender much depressed at base, distinctly notched at end and 
slightly hooked ; bill anterior to the exposed nostrils rapidly narrows, and becomes 
very slender at tip ; the round wings are about equal to tail; tail graduated, feathers 
with rounded ends. Length about 5 inches; extent about ; bill and legs black¬ 
ish ; eyes dark brown. Above grayish-blue ; crown decidedly blue, rump some¬ 
what lighter than back ; forehead and line over eye black (absent in female) ; whit¬ 
ish ring round eye. Lores and under parts pale bluish-white, except chin and me¬ 
dian line on throat, and abdomen also in some specimens, pure white. First and 
second pairs of tail-feathers black at base then white ; third and fourth black with 
white tips, rest black. 

Habitat. —Middle and southern portions of the United States, from the Atlantic 
to the Pacific, south, in winter, to Guatemala, Cuba and the Bahamas; rare north 
toward the Great Lakes,southern New York and southern New England, straggling 
north to Massachusetts and Maine. 

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher occurs as a summer resident in the south¬ 
ern parts of Pennsylvania. Arrives here about the last week in April 
and remains until about the middle of September. I have observed 
this bird in the southeastern counties as a rare visitor, in the spring', 
late summer and autumn. In southwestern Pennsylvania the gnat¬ 
catcher is reported to be a rather frequent summer resident. Messrs. 
M. Compton, W. T. Warrick and James S. Nease, all report it as being 
i rather common during migrations in Washington county, and they also 
mention it as a probable breeder. Dr. T. Z. Hazzard, of Allegheny 
City, informs me it breeds regularly in his locality (Allegheny county). 
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mr. H. J. Roddy says, “ is common at one 
; place near Lebo, Perry county. I find them breeding there every year; 
saw a family August 10, on Jack’s mountain.” I found this bird to be 
j quite common in February, March and the early part of April in 
Florida. Its food consists entirely of small-winged insects and various 
larvae. “It is an expert insect-catcher, taking its prey on the wing with 
great celerity. All its movements are very rapid, the bird seeming to 
be constantly in motion as if ever in quest of insects, moving from one 
part of the tree to the other, but generally preferring the upper 
branches ” {Hist. N. Am. Birds). Never having had the good fortune 
to find the nest or eggs of this species, I take the following descriptions 
concerning the same from other writers. “ The nest of this species is 
one of the gems of bird architecture. It is a very compact mass of 
soft felted materials, elaborately and artistically ornamented on the out¬ 
side with gray and glaucous lichens, the deep interior cavity lined with 
softest down and feathers. The shape varies from that of a deep cup 






324 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


to that of an inverted cone, the opening being always at the top. This 
elegant structure is securely fastened—either saddled to or woven about— 
a horizontal limb, usually near the top of a tree, but, especially if the 
tree be a very tall one, sometimes on one of the lower branches. Often 
it is attached to a limb of nearly the same diameter as itself, thus ap¬ 
pearing as a knot or other excrescence” {Orn. of Illinois). “Eggs, 
four to five, about .60 by .45, whitish, fully speckled with reddish and 
umber-brown and lilac ” ( Cones’ Key). 


Family TURDID^l.* Thrushes, Bluebirds, Etc. 

Subfamily TURDIN.3J'. Thrushes. 

THE THRUSHES. 

Eight representatives of this subfamily are recorded as occurring in Pennsylva¬ 
nia. Three—the American Robin, Wood Thrush and Bluebird—are common and 
very generally distributed throughout the state as summer residents, and in winter 
the Robin and Bluebird are frequently met with,especially in the southern sections 
of the commonwealth. With the exception of Bicknell’s Thrush, the members 
of this group, although quite numerous, being found in nearly all parts of the state 
during migrations, are known chiefly to ornithologists only. Many farmers and 
fruit-growers regard the Robin (Merula migratoria ) as a great nuisance and wage 
war against him because of his love for various small truits. The other members of 
this group, like the Robin, feed also to a more or less extent on berries of different 
kinds. These birds subsist largely on various species of noxious insects; the 
service which they all render, in this particular, should secure for them the protec¬ 
tion of both the agriculturist and horticulturist. 


Genus TTJRDUS Linnaeus. 

Turdus mustelinus Gmel. 

Wood Thrush ; Wood Robin. 

Description (Plate 100). 

Length about 8; extent about 13 inches ; bill blackish, yellowish at base ; legs 
flesh color; iris brown. Upper parts clear cinnamon brown, brightest on top of 
head, and shading into olive on rump and tail; lower parts pure white, and every¬ 
where, except on chin, throat, middle of belly and under tail-coverts, marked with 
roundish, dusky spots. 

Habitat .—Eastern United States to the plains, north to southern Michigan, Onta¬ 
rio and Massachusetts ; south, in winter to Guatemala and Cuba. 

Abundant summer resident from about the last week in April, to some 

seasons, as late as October 20. The Wood Bobin, the name by which 

the Wood Thrush is best known in many localities in Pennsylvania 

(some term it Hermit Thrush), is a common inhabitant of woods. It 

especially delights to frequent bushes in woodland, near streams or other 

_ 


* “ Bill slender, usually distinctly notched, and with distinct rictal bristles. Tarsi booted, i. e ., the 
anterior covering undivided for the greater part of its length. Young distinctly spotted ” (Orn. of 111.). 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


325 


watery places. The sweet, ringing*, bell-like notes of this bird are such 
that it justly ranks as one of our most entertaining songsters. It builds 
a compact and rather large nest of mud, leaves and dried grasses in 
trees and bushes, usually in low or damp woods. The eggs, com¬ 
monly four, are light greenish blue, and measure about one inch long 
by three-fourths wide. The Wood Thrush feeds on numerous forms of 
insect life, it devours large numbers of beetles, earthworms, crickets, 
flies, larvae, etc., and also, like the Common Bobin, subsists on various 
small fruits and berries. 

Turdus fuscescens Steph. 

Wilson’s Thrush ; Veery ; Tawny Thrush. 

Description (Plate 100 ). 

Length about 7§ inches ; extent about 12± ; bill brownish ; basal half of mandible 
paler ; tarsi pale yellow r ish-brown, feet darker (dried skins). Above uniform red¬ 
dish brown ; no contrast between tail and back, no light ring about eye; sides of 
head grayish ; chin, upper part of throat whitish and generally without spots; mid¬ 
dle of abdominal region and under tail-coverts white ; sides shaded with grayish or 
pale olive; lower part of throat and breast buff-colored, and marked with small 
brownish spots ; tail and wing feathers brownish. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States to the plains, north to Manitoba, Ontario, Anti¬ 
costi, and Newfoundland. 

Bather common spring and fall migrant throughout the state ; occa¬ 
sionally, during mild winters, solitary individuals are met with in the 
southern portions of Pennsylvania. Wilson’s Thrush breeds sparingly 
in the northern and mountainous parts of the commonwealth. It has 
been found breeding within our limits by Dr. Detwiller, of Northamp¬ 
ton county; Mr. George P. Friant has also observed it, in summer, in 
Lackawanna county, and it also breeds, occasionally, Mr. Sennett tells 
me, in Crawford and Erie counties, where it is common during migra¬ 
tions. “Nest, on ground or near it, of leaves, grasses, etc., but no mud; 
eggs, four to five, greenish-blue like those of the Wood Bobin, normally 
unspotted, .90 by .60”—( Coues ). This bird, usually seen singly, but 
sometimes in small parties, frequents chiefly thick woods and swampy 
places. Feeds on insects, worms and berries. 

Turdus aliciae Baird. 

Gray-cheeked Thrush. 

Description (Plate 96). 

A little larger than the Olive-backed Thrush, from which it differs in having no 
yellowish ring round eye, and sides of head are grayish not yellowish. Jugulum 
more or less shaded with buff. 

Habitat.— Eastern North America, west to the plains, Alaska and eastern Siberia, 
north to the Arctic coast, south, in winter, to Costa Rica ; breeds chiefly north of the 
United States. 










326 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


The Gray-cheekecl Thrush is a rather plentiful spring- and fall migrant 
in Pennsylvania; frequents woods and thickets. The food is similar to 
that of the Wilson’s Thrush. 

Note. A race of this species,—Bicknell’s Thrush ( Turclus alicioe bicknelli) has 
been described by Mr. Ridgway. A description of this bird as given by Mr. Ridgway 
(Vol. I, Ornithology of Illinois) is as follows: “Similar to Tardus alicioe Baird, but 
much smaller and (usually) with the bill more slender. Wing, 3.40-3.80 (3.65); tail, 
2.60-2.90 (2.75); culmen, .50-.52 (.51); tarsus, 1.10-1.25 (1.13); middle toe, .65-.70(.68).” 
A single specimen believed to belong to this newly discovered race, named in honor 
of its discoverer Mr. Eugene P. Bicknell, who first obtained it on the Catskill Moun¬ 
tains, was captured by Prof. H. J. Roddy, near Chickies’ Rock, Lancaster county. 
I have never seen the specimen taken by Mr. Roddy, who since the above was written 
writes me as follows concerning it. “ Turdus alicioe bicknelli , I am not quite sure 
of. The more I study my specimen the more I think it is Turdus alicioe somewhat 
changed in some way and yet not bicknelli .” The habitat of this bird as given in 
Ridgway’s Ornithology of Illinois is the higher mountains of northeastern United 
States, from the Catskills and Adirondacks, in New York, to the White mountains 
of New Hampshire ; breeding from an elevation of 4,000 feet upward. Straggler to 
Illinois (Warsaw, May 24, 1884; Chas. K. Worthen).” 


Turdus ustulatus swainsonii (Cab.). 

Olive-backed Thrush. 

Description (Plate 100). 

Length about 7£ inches; extent about 11| ; upper parts uniform greenisli-olive; 
conspicuous yellowish ring round eye ; lores, sides of head, chin, throat and breast 
strongly tinged with yellowish ; anterior lower parts, except chin and upper part of 
throat, marked with numerous and large dusky and blackish spots ; sides grayish- 
olive ; middle of abdomen and under tail-coverts white; wings and tail dusky ; 
somewhat paler on under surface. 

Habitat.— Eastern North America, and westward to the Upper Columbia river and 
East Humboldt mountains, straggling to the Pacific coast. Breeds mostly north of 
the United States. 

Common spring and fall migrant, generally distributed throughout 
the state; arrives here usually about the last of April and departs in 
October. The Olive-backed Thrush breeds occasionally, it is said, in 
our higher mountainous regions. 

Turdus aonalaschkae pallasii (Cab.). 

Hermit Thrush. 


Description (Plate 100). 

Size about the same as last. Upper parts olive; rump and tail reddish-brown; 
yellowish ring round eye; below white ; shaded on sides with grayish-olive ; mid¬ 
dle of upper part of throat usually immaculate ; sides of head, in some specimens, 
very similar to back ; but usually sides of head, sides of neck, lower part of throat 
and breast are tinged with buff; lower throat and breast conspicuously marked with 
large blackish and dusky-olive spots ; upper surface of tail reddish-brown, below 
paler ; outer webs of wing-quills similar but lighter ; inner webs blackish. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America, breeding from the northern United States 
northward, and wintering from the Northern states southward. 










BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


327 


This Hermit Thrush is the most abundant of all the thrushes except 
the American Robin. During 1 the spring and fall migrations this bird 
is much more abundant than at other times. During mild winters a few 
of these thrushes are seen in sheltered localities in the southern parts 
of our state. This species, it is stated, breeds sparingly in some of our 
higher mountainous districts. 


Genus MERULA Leach. 

Merula migratoria (Linn.). 

American Robin. 

Description (Plate 49 , old and young). 

Length about 9? ; extent about 16 inches ; bill yellow, upper mandible tipped with 
black ; iris brown ; legs and feet brownish ; above plain grayish, blackish on head, 
tail and sides of neck ; lower parts reddish-brown, paler in female ; lower part of 
belly, anal region and under tail-coverts white; some specimens have under tail- 
coverts spotted with grayish-brown; outer tail feathers tipped with white; young 
are spotted above and below. 

Habitat. —Eastern North America to Rocky mountains, including eastern Mexico 
and Alaska. Breeds from near the southern border of the United States northward 
to the Arctic coast; winters from southern Canada and the Northern states (irregu¬ 
larly) southward. 

This familiar bird is abundant throughout the state during the spring, 
summer and autumn. In the winter months it is not uncommon to find 
small flocks about cedar thickets, swamps and other well-sheltered lo¬ 
calities, especially in the southern parts of the state. At times, other 
than w T hen breeding, Robins are gregarious. Late in the summer and 
autumn they collect in good-sized flocks and repair every evening to 
some favorite roosting resort, where they are found often in company 
with Cowbirds and Purple Grackles. The Robin seems in no way par¬ 
ticular about the site selected for its bulky nest of mud, leaves, dried 
grasses, etc. Although it usually builds in a tree, it frequently nests 
under an overhanging bank along the roadside, or under a porch, and 
occasionally on fence-rails. In May, 1880, a friend of mine found, near 
West Chester, a nest of this bird built on the ground in the middle of a 
woods, and concealed by May-apple plants. The eggs, usually four or 
five in number, are light bluish-green, and measure about 1.16 long by 
.79 wide. With us at least two broods are raised each season. By 
farmers and fruit growers the Robin is very generally regarded as a nui¬ 
sance, because of his fondness for various small fruits. The following 
notes and remarks on the food, it is hoped, will suffice to show that this 
species is at least somewhat beneficial to the agriculturist and pomolo- 
gist, even though it will, at certain periods of the year, subsist largely 
on a fruit diet: In the early part of June, 1879, twenty-three Robins were 
captured, on the same date, in East Bradford, Pa. The birds were 










328 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


taken in an apple orchard, or in the act of going* to or from cherry trees 
located near said orchard. Thirteen birds of this series showed, on dis¬ 
section, remains of cherries ; five of the thirteen had only this fruit in 
their viscera. The remaining eight birds had, in addition, and certainly 
with two exceptions, in excess, insect food, consisting mainly of small 
brown and black-colored beetles. One bird had in its stomach two earth¬ 
worms. Seven young birds, taken from the nests, with the exception of 
one that had a small piece of cherry, which, however, was present in con¬ 
nection with a large insect mass, furnished only proof of an insectivo¬ 
rous diet, which was so comminuted as to be almost unrecognizable. 
Sufficient evidences, however, were present to establish the fact that 
beetles were an important element in their bill of fare. Two birds des¬ 
titute of all food materials. 

Dr. Coues {Birds of the Colorado Valley ) writes : “ The Robin is a 
great eater of berries and soft fruits of every description, and these fur¬ 
nish, during the colder portion of the year, its chief sustenance. Some 
of the cultivated fruits of the orchard and garden are specially attractive, 
and no doubt the birds demand their tithe. But the damage in this 
way is trifling at most, and wholly inconsiderable in comparison with 
the great benefit resulting from the destruction of noxious insects by 
this bird. The prejudice which some persons entertain against the 
Kobin is unreasonable ; the wholesale slaughter of the birds which an¬ 
nually takes place in many localities, is as senseless as it is cruel. Few 
persons have any adequate idea of the enormous, the literally incalcu¬ 
lable, numbers of insects that Kobins eat every year. It has been found, 
by careful and accurate observations, that a young Robin, in the nest, 
requires a daily supply of animal food equivalent to considerable more 
than its own weight. When we remember that some millions of pairs 
of Robins raise five or six young ones once, twice or even three times a 
year, it will be seen that the resulting destruction of insects is, as I have 
said, incalculable. I have no doubt that the services of these birds, dur¬ 
ing the time they are engaged in rearing their young alone, would en¬ 
title them to protection were the parents themselves to feed exclusively 
upon garden fruits for the whole period. But at this time the diet of 
the old birds is very largely of an animal nature ; nor is this the only 
season during which the destruction of insects goes on. Upon the first 
arrival of the main body of the birds, early in the spring, long before any 
fruits are ripe, they throw themselves into newly-plowed fields, and scat¬ 
ter over meadows, lawns and parks, in eager search for the worms and 
grubs that, later in the season, would prove invincible to the agricul¬ 
turist were not their ravages thus stayed in advance by the friendly army 
of Robins.” 





BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


329 


Food of the Robin. 


No. 

Date. 

1 

January 

3, 1883. 

2 

January 8. 1883. 

3 

Feb. 

18, 1880, 

4 

March 

15. 1879. 

5 

March 

15, 1879. 

6 

March 

15, 1879, 

7 

March 

15. 1879. 

8 

March 

15, 1879, 

9 

March 

15, 1879, 

10 

March 

6, 1880, 

11 

Mar. 8, 

10. 1880. 

12 

Mar. 8. 

10. 1880, 

13 

Mar. 8. 

10. 1880. 

14 

March 

31. 1S83. 

15 

March 

31. 1883, 

16 

April 

9, 1879, 

17 

April 

9. 1879, 

18 

April 

13, 1879. 

19 

April 

13, 1879, 

20 

April 

22. 1879, 

21 

April 

22. 1879, 

22 

April 

2. 1880. 

23 

April 

7. 1880, 

24 

April 

4, 1883. 

25 

April 

12, 1883, 

26 

April 

12, 1883. 

27 

April 

17. 1883, 

28 

May 

4, 1880. 

20 

May 

4, 1880. 

30 

May 

12. 1880, 

31 

May 

12, 1880, 

32 

May 

20, 1880. 

33 

May 

5, 1883, 

34 

May 

7, 1883, 

35 

May 

7. 1883, 

36 

May 

18, 1883, 

37 

May 

27, 1883. 

38 

July 

12, 1880, 

39 

July 

12, 1880. 

40 

July 

23. 1882, 

41 

August 

18. 1880, 

42 

August 

18. 1880, 

43 

August 20, 1880, 

44 

August 20, 1880, 

45 

Sept. 

9, 1882, 

46 

Sept. 

9. 1882, 

47 

Sept. 

9. 1882. 

48 

Sept. 

9, 1882, 

49 

Sept. 

9. 1882. 

50 

Sept. 

9, 1882, 

51 

Sept. 

9, 1882, 

52 

Sept. 

21, 1882, 

53 

Sept. 

21. 1882, 

54 

Sept. 

21. 1882. 

55 

Sept. 

21, 1882, 

56 

Sept. 

21, 1882, 

57 

October 2, 1880, 

58 

October 2, 1880, 

59 

October 2, 1880. 

60 

October 2, 1880, 

61 

October 3, 1880, 

62 

October 3, 1880, 

63 

October 4, 1880, 

64 

October 4, 1880, 

65 

October 4, 1880, 

66 

October 8, 1880, 

67 

October 8, 1880, 

68 

October 8, 1880, 

69 

October 8, 1880, 

70 

October 8, 1880, 

71 

October 8, 1880, 

72 

October 8, 1880, 

73 

Nov. 

12, 1884. 

74 

Dec. 

20. 1884. 

75 

Dec. 

25. 1884. 


1 

Locality. 

Food-Materials. 

New Castle county, Del., 

Wild grapes. 

New Castle county, Del.. 

Small seeds and remains of beetles. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

Chester county. Pa.. . . 

Beetles. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles and earthworms. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Earthworms. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Cut-worms. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Small worms (stomach distended). 

Willistown, Pa. 

Small worms (stomach distended). 

Willistown, Pa. 

Beetles and small seeds. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Beetles, grasshoppers and grub worm. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Beetles and larvae. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Beetles. 

East Bradford, Pa.,'. . . 

Beetles. 

Westchester, Pa. 

Beetles and earthworms. 

West Chester. Pa. 

Beetles and earthworms. 

East Bradford. Pa., . . . 

Beetles. 

East Bradford. Pa. 

Beetles. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Beetles. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Beetles and earthworms. 

East Bradford. Pa. 

Beetles. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Beetles. 

East Bradford. Pa., . . . 

Beetles and other insects. 

East Bradford, Pa. 

Beetles. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles and apterous insects 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles and earthworms. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles and earthworms. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Beetles. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Small seeds and flies. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Small worms and beetles. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Spiders. 

Westchester, Pa. 

Vegetable matter and few particles of oyster shells. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Berries and small seeds. 

WestChester, Pa., . . . 

Small seeds. 

Westchester, Pa., . . . 

Berries and earthworm. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Wild cherries. 

West Chester. Pa. 

Wild cherries. 

WestChester. Pa. 

Wild cherries. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county, Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

Wild cherries. 

Chester county. Pa.. . . 

Wild cherries. 

West Chester, Pa., . . . 

Spicewood and Dogwood berries. 

West Chester. Pa. 

Spicewood and Dogwood berries. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Spicewood and Dogwood berries. 

West Chester. Pa., . . . 

Spicewood and Dogwood berries. 

West Chester. Pa. 

Beetles and Dogwood berries. 

WestChester, Pa. 

Beetles and Dogwood berries. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Spicewood berries. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Dogwood berries. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Dogwood berries. 

West Chester, Pa., . . . 

Dogwood berries and small shells. 

WestChester, Pa., . . . 

Dogwood berries and small seeds. 

WestChester. Pa. 

Dogwood berries. 

West Chester, Pa. 

Chicken grapes and beetles. 

WestChester, Pa., . . . 

Chicken grapes. 

WestChester, Pa., . . . 

Chicken grapes. 

WestChester, Pa., . . . 

Chicken grapes, N 

East Goshen. Pa., . . . 

Beetles and few grub worms. 

Newark, Delaware, . . . 

Berries. 

Newark. Delaware, . . . 

Berries and insects. 





































330 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Genus SIALIA Swainson. 


Sialia sialis (Linn.) 

Bluebird. 

Description ( Plate 50, adults and young). 

Length about 6), ; extent about 12| inches ; bill and legs blackish ; iris brown. 

Adult Male, in summer. —Upper parts uniform azure blue, sides of head, and fore 
part of chin, blue ; throat, breast and sides reddish-brown ; abdomen, anal region 
and under tail-coverts, white. 

Male, in fall and winter. —Blue duller, feathers of the head, neck and back edged 
with rusty ; white on abdomen more extended; the reddish-brown or chestnut on 
the throat and breast is darker. 

Adult female. —Upper parts dull grayish-blue, brightest on rump, tail and wings ; 
lower parts similar to male but much duller. The young, in first plumage, have 
wings and tail only blue; top of head and upper parts are grayish or brownish 
(usually the latter color), middle of back more or less streaked with white ; lower 
parts are whitish (clearest on chin and abdomen); throat, breast and sides are thickly 
marked with irregular brownish or dusky spots. In this plumage the Bluebird, 
appears very much like some of the thrushes from the spotted appearance of its 
breast. 

Habitat. —Eastern United States to the eastern base of the Rocky mountains, north 
to Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia, south, in winter, from the Middle States to 
the Gulf States and Cuba. Bermudas, resident. 

This common and well-known species is found in Pennsylvania dur¬ 
ing all months of the year, but in the height of the winter season they 
are much more plentiful in the southern counties than elsewhere in this 
region. In summer Bluebirds are abundant and generally distributed 
throughout the state. These birds, when not engaged in building, are 
usually seen in flocks of from ten to twenty each, sometimes, however, 
particularly in the fall, they collect together in large numbers, as will 
be seen from the following extract taken from one of my note books: 
“ October 23, 1884, Girard Manor, Schuylkill county, Penn’a. Bluebirds 
very abundant; a flock of about two hundred have every day for the 
past two weeks been observed distributed over the field surrounding the 
residence of my friend and host M. M. MacMillan, Esq., busily engaged 
in feeding or dressing their plumage while they perch on the leafless 
branches of the numerous young trees scattered along the fences. When 
feeding the birds confine their operations to the ground and feed chiefly 
on grasshoppers, which are abundant. The fields about here appear to 
be favorite feeding resorts, as they come in large numbers in the morn¬ 
ing, and remain, if not driven away, for about two hours. They also 
come in the afternoon, but not in such large numbers.” The Bluebird 
builds a scanty and loosely-constructed nest of dried grasses, feathers 
or other soft materials in holes of trees or stumps, in bird-boxes, or in 
hollows of posts and fence rails. The eggs, usually four or five in num¬ 
ber, are light blue and unspotted. They measure about .81 long by .62 
wide. The eggs of this bird sometimes, though very rarely, are white. 






BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


331 


Two broods are raised in a season. Since the pestiferous English Spar¬ 
rows have become so numerous Bluebirds, in common with a number of 
other species of birds, which formerly were common and regular sum¬ 
mer residents about yards, gardens and parks, have been driven away. 
About three years ago the writer found a pair of Bluebirds, that had 
been forced to leave a bird box by a flock of pugnacious sparrows, nest¬ 
ing in a hole in a sand bank. The hole in which this pair of birds 
nested had been used the previous year by a pair of Bank Swallows. 
When insect-life can be found these birds prefer it to any other diet, 
but in the winter season when such food is not easily obtained they 
feed on various small fruits and berries. 





« 


( 332 ) 






APPENDIX. 


BIRDS OF PREY AND THE “SCALP” ACT OF JUNE 23, 1885. 


In an agricultural district, the preservation of the hawks and owls is a matter of 
great importance. These birds, with few exceptions, subsist mainly on mice, other 
small quadrupeds and various insects, which are so destructive in the fields, or¬ 
chards, gardens and about buildings. Until within a quite recent period, Pennsyl¬ 
vania has been burdened with an act of assembly awarding premiums for the de¬ 
struction of these Avell-known feathered friends of the farmer. The members of 
“The West Chester Microscopical Society,” recognizing the great wrong and injury 
which was being accomplished by the enforcement of this odious “Scalp Act,” as it 
was universally called, took an active part in endeavoring to secure its repeal. 
From reports* issued by their Committee on the Protection of Birds of Prey, the fol¬ 
lowing extracts are taken : 

“ The committee appointed at the last meeting of the Microscopical Society to take 
into consideration the act of assembly passed the 23d day of June, A. D. 1885, enti¬ 
tled ‘An act for the destruction of wolves, wild cats, foxes, minks, hawks, weasels 
and owls in this commonwealth,’ beg leave to report that the chairman of the com¬ 
mittee, Dr. B. H. Warren, ornithologist of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agricul¬ 
ture, has devoted several years of his life to the collection, dissection and examina¬ 
tion of birds, and that all of the committee from observation and experience have 
believed that all of the birds denounced in the law, with rare exceptions, have been 
found to be the best friends of the farmer. Lest, however, any of the committee 
might be mistaken they have corresponded with the best ornithologists in the 
country, men who have made ornithology a study and are connected with that de¬ 
partment in the Smithsonian Institution, asking their opinion as to the benefits or 
injury likely to arise from the execution of the law against the birds therein named. 

“They have received answers from Dr. C. Hart Merriam, ornithologist of the 
United States Department of Agriculture ; Dr. Elliott Coues, vice president Amer¬ 
ican Ornithologists’ Union; Robert Ridgway, Curator Department of Birds, 
United States National Museum; Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, assistant curator of the 
same department; H. W. Henshaw, of the Bureau of Ethnology, also a collector of 
birds for the Smithsonian Institution, and connected with the late Wheeler Survey 
of the territories, and Lucien M. Turner, a collector of birds, etc., for the Smith¬ 
sonian Institution for the last twelve years. These answers, which are annexed to 
this report, all bear testimony that the hawks and owls are of great benefit to the 
farmer, and render him far greater service than injury, and that it is unwise to se¬ 
lect any of them for destruction. 

“The committee regrets to say that there have been ninety odd hawks and a dozen 
or more owls killed since the law was passed, June 23, 1885, at a cost to this county 
of about 875, and that the slaughter is still going on. 

’Reports of the Microscopical Society of West Chester. Pa., on the act of assembly of said state 
awarding a premium for the destruction of hawks, owls, minks, weasels, etc., etc., enacted June 23, 
1885: published January, 1887. 


( 333 ) 









334 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


“ Believing, therefore, that the killing of these birds is detrimental to the interests 
of the agriculturists, they believe that instead of being destroyed they should be 
protected, and they, therefore, recommend the passage of the following resolution : 

“ Resolved by the Microscopical Society of West Chester , That in the opinion of 
the society the act of June 23, 1885, offering a premium for the destruction of hawks 
and owls, is unwise and prejudical to the interest of agriculture, and so far as those 
birds are concerned, ought to be repealed. 

“ Resolved , That the president and secretary of the society be instructed to for¬ 
ward a copy of the above resolution to our members of the legislature, at its next 
session, and request their aid towards the repeal of the act so far as is above stated. 

“All of which is respectfully submitted. *. 

“ B. H. Warren, 

W. Townsend, 

Thos. D. Dunn, 

James C. Sellers, 
Committee. 

“ March 4, 1886.” 


“U. S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, D. C., March 2, 1886 . 

“Dr. B. H. Warren, Ornithologist of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agri¬ 
culture : 

“Dear Sir : Your letter of the 18th inst. has just come to hand. I have read 
with surprise and indignation the copy sent of section 1, page 141, of the laws of 
Pennsylvania for 1885, in which a bounty is offered for the destruction of weasels, 
hawks and owls. The clause purports to have been enacted ‘ for the benefit of agri¬ 
culture,’ etc. 

“The possibility of the passage of such an act by any legislative body is a melan¬ 
choly comment on the widespread ignorance that prevails even among intelligent 
persons, concerning the food of our common birds and mammals, and is an evidence 
of the urgent need of just such systematic and comprehensive investigations as this 
department is now making on the subject of the relation of food habits to agricul¬ 
ture. 

“There are two kinds of weasels in the Eastern States. The smaller kind feeds 
chiefly on mice and insects, and is not known to kill poultry. The larger also preys 
mainly upon mice and rats, but in addition sometimes kills rabbits and poultry. 
Both species are friends of the farmer, for the occasional loss of a few chickens is of 
trifling consequence compared with the good that these animals are constantly doing 
in checking the increase of mice. 

“You ask my opinion in regard to the beneficial and injurious qualities of the 
hawks and owls which inhabit Pennsylvania. This question seems almost super¬ 
fluous in view of the fact that your own investigations, more than those of any 
other one person, have led to a better knowledge of the food-habits of these birds, 
and what you have done in the east Prof. Aughey, of Nebraska, has done in the west. 
Many others have added their ‘mites,’till at the present time a sufficient array of 
facts has been accumulated to enable us to state, without fear of contradiction, that 
our hawks and owls must be ranked among the best friends of the farmer. With 
very few exceptions, their food consists of mice and insects, meadow-mice and 
grasshoppers predominating. The exceptions are the fierce Goshawk from the north, 
and two smaller resident hawks, Cooper’s and the Sharp-shinned, which really de¬ 
stroy many wild birds and some poultry. These three hawks have long tails and 
short wings, which serve, among other characters, to distinguish them from the 
beneficial kinds. 

“Strange as it may appear to the average farmer, the largest hawks are the ones 
that do the most good. Foremost among these are the Rough-legged and Marsh 
Hawks, which do not meddle with poultry and rarely prey upon wild birds. 








APPENDIX. 


335 


“Of hawks and owls collectively, it may safely be said that, except in rare in¬ 
stances, the loss they occasion by the destruction of poultry is insignificant in com¬ 
parison with the benefits derived by the farmer and fruit-grower from their constant 
vigilance; for when unmolested the one guards his crop by day and the other by 
night. 

“It is earnestly to be hoped that you will succeed not only in causing the repeal 
of the ill-advised act which provides a bounty for the killing of hawks and owls, 
but that you will go farther, and secure the enactment of a law which will impose a 
fine for the slaughter of these useful birds. 

“ Very truly yours, 

“C. Hart Merriam, 

“ Ornithologist of the Department of Agriculture." 


“United States National Museum, 

“ Under Direction of the Smithsonian Institution. 

“Washington, March 3 , 1886. 

“Dr. B. H. Warren, West Chester , Pa.: 

“ Dear Dr. Warren : I am just in receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, and 
therefore fear that my reply cannot reach you in time for use at the meeting to-mor¬ 
row evening. It affords me much pleasure, however, to comply with your request 
for my views concerning the food-habits of hawks and owls and their relation to 
man. 

“Of all the species which you name there are only two which, according to my 
best judgment, are at all seriously destructive to game or poultry, these being 
Cooper’s Hawk and the Great-horned Owl. The rest, with the possible exception of 
the Sharp-shinned Hawk, which certainly is destructive to the smaller birds, m 3 7 
experience leads me to regard as very decidedly beneficial to man, their food con¬ 
sisting very largely, if not chiefly, of the smaller rodents, field mice especially. 
The Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks occasionally pick up a young chicken 
or rabbit, but I feel quite sure that their service to man far outw'eighs the injury 
which they thus do. The little Sparrow Hawk and other smaller species destroy 
large numbers of grasshoppers, locusts and other large insects. 

“Very truly yours, 

“Robert Ridgway, 

“ Curator, Dept. Birds." 


“ Smithsonian Institution, 
“Washington, D. C., Marchs , 1886. 

“Dr. B. H. Warren, West Chester , Pa.: 

“Dear Doctor : In reply to your letter of the 3d inst., asking for my opinion in 
regard to the food, etc., of certain hawks and owls specified, I would state that I have 
read Mr. Robert Ridgway’s answer to a similar request from you and that I agree 
with him in every particular. The idea of persecuting the majority of hawks and 
owls systematically is simply preposterous, and any law r which has for its object 
their indiscriminate destruction should be immediately repealed, since most of the 
birds alluded to are among the very best friends of the farmer. In regard to a few 
species it is well worth while to suspend judgment until a thorough investigation as 
to their habits and food in your state can be carried out, for, as you are well aware, 
a species which in some parts of the country and at some seasons may be injurious, 
in other regions and under altered circumstances may be chiefly beneficial. 

“ I remain, yours sincerely, 

“ Leonhard Stejneger, 

“Assistant Curator , Dept, of Birds, TJ. S. Nat. Mus." 









336 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


“Washington, Marchs, lSSO.” 

“B. H. Warren, M. D., West Chester , Pa. : 

“ Dear Sir : In reply to your favor of the 1st inst., asking for my opinion with 
regard to the economic utility of the birds of prey, I take pleasure in responding as 
follows : To the ornithologist, whose business it is to study the habits of birds, the 
widespread ignorance of the habits of the hawk and owl tribe, and the mistaken idea 
as to the amount of injury they do are almost inconceivable. 

“So common, however, are these erroneous ideas respecting the birds of prey and 
their relations to the farmer and agriculturist that it is not at all surprising that laws 
similar to the one now in force in Pennsylvania should be enacted. 

“ Your own investigations into the nature of the food of the birds of prey of your 
county might be cited in suppoit of the statement that such enactments are based 
upon erroneous conceptions. I may add that wherever such investigations have 
been systematically conducted they have resulted in a verdict favorable to the birds 
of prey. In almost every portion of the country I have found the opinions of all 
field ornithologists to be in favor of the preservation of the hawk and owl tribe on 
account of the good they do. I believe the time will come when the farmers as a 
class will carefully protect the hawks and owls on the ground of their beneficent ser¬ 
vices. 

“Following is the list of species most numerous in your state : 

“ 1. Marsh Hawk. Circiis hudsonius. 

“ 2. Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparverius. 

“ 3. Red-shouldered Hawk. Buteo lineatus. 

“ 4. Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo borealis. 

“ 5. Cooper’s Hawk. Accipiter cooperi. 

“ 6. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiter velox. 

“ 7. Broad-winged Hawk. Buteo latissimus. 

“ 8. Rough-legged Hawk. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. 

“ 9. Short-eared Owl. Asio accipitrinus. 

“ 10. Screech Owl. Megascops asio. 

“ 11. Long-eared Owl. Asio wilsonianus. 

“ 12. Barred Owl. Syrnium nebulosum. 

“ 13. Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus. 

“Of this list the Marsh Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Broad¬ 
winged Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Short and Long-eared Owls, Screech Owl, 
Barred Owl and Horned Owl are of very great value to the agriculturist because of 
the immense numbers of meadow mice and other small rodents they annually de¬ 
stroy. The mice, when unchecked, increase with amazing rapidity, and the hawks 
and owls above named are among the chief natural means for their destruction, mice 
and other rodents forming a large percentage of their food. The harm the hawks do 
in the destruction of small birds is inconsiderable compared to the benefits derived 
by the farmers from the destruction of the four-footed pests. The owls particularly 
work by night and hence the benefits they confer are easily overlooked. 

“ The Sparrow Hawk is one of the most harmless of birds and one of the most ben¬ 
eficial to man. He lives almost exclusively upon grasshoppers and crickets, and the 
number of the former destroyed by these birds is incalculable. 

“ I mention the Cooper s and Sharp-shinned Hawks last because they unquestion¬ 
ably kill many small birds, and they also commit depredations upon the poultry 
yard. I believe, however, they can safely be left to be dealt with by the class they in¬ 
jure, chiefly poultrymen. To place all the hawks and owls under ban, and to attempt 
their extermination simply because one or two species are injurious is certainly not 
good policy. 

“ After more than twenty years study of birds I am decidedly of the opinion that 
the hawks and owls as a class are of great economic value, and that no state in which 
agriculture is pursued to any extent can allord to dispense with their services. Thev 





APPENDIX. 


337 


not only ought not to be exterminated, but they should be placed upon the list of 
birds protected by law. 

“I am, very truly yours, 

“ H. W. Henshavv.” 


4 

“Washington, D. C., Marchs , 1886. 


“ Dr. B. H. Warren : 

“Dear Sir: Responding to your request for my opinion respecting the useful¬ 
ness ot hawks and owls, regarded from an agricultural or other economic stand¬ 
point, I beg to say that I consider these birds highly beneficial and worthy of protec¬ 
tive legislation. 

“ The number of poultry and of useful insectivorous birds which hawks and owls 
destroy is insignificant in comparison with the quantity of noxious rodents which 
they consume. Owls are particularly serviceable in this respect, and next after them 
come the buzzards. Most birds of prey likewise consume enormous numbers of in¬ 
sects, among which is a large proportion of noxious kinds. 

“ Very truly yours, 

“ Elliott Coues, 

“ V. P A , O. U., etc.” 


“Smithsonian Institution, 
“Washington, D. C., March 3, 1886. 

“ B. H. Warren, M. D., Ornithologist Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture, 

West Chester, Pa. : 

“ Dear Sir : Your letter of recent date requesting my opinion of theact (No. 109) 
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania relative to the premiums paid for the de¬ 
struction of certain species of birds and mammals, alleged to be injurious and classed 
as noxious w ithin the meaning of that act, is at hand. 

“ I must confess a surprise at the truly lamentable ignorance of the framer of that 
act in regard tb the supposed noxious character of the haw'ks and owls, upon whose 
lives a premium lias been set for their destruction. 

“ It is well known that no more beneficial bird exists than the owl whose noctur¬ 
nal habits render it specially fitted to pursue the smaller rodents, such as mice, 
whose ravages upon the field, grain, root and orchard are so well know n that all 
farmers have from time immemorial exclaimed against the destructiveness of 
those quadrupeds whose annual devastation causes the money value of the losses 
sustained through their ravages to sw r ell into countless thousands of dollars. 

“The tender growths of the orchard are decorticated by the mice and rabbits, 
which are in turn devoured by the owls sought to be destroyed simply because 
some one desires to become notorious as a lawmaker, and through utter ignorance 
of the subject endeavors to deprive the farmer of his best nocturnal friends, which 
guard the growing crop w r ith zealous care while the owner sleeps to regain a strength 
to enable him to continue the daily toil of protecting his crops from the devastation 
of his sleek-furred enemies, most insidious at night. There is not a species of owl 
but that amply repays for the few incursions made at irregular periods upon insolated 
hen roosts. Where a single fow r l is thus lost, a thousand mice pay the penalty of 
their lives to the same ow l. 

“The nocturnal habits of the owds render their services far more beneficial than 
may be accurately ascertained. 

“In regard to the hawks their reputation is much exaggerated so far as their in¬ 
jurious propensity is concerned, yet when truthful evidence is placed in the scales 
the beneficial services of the haw T ks will preponderate in a most satisfactory manner. 

“Certain species of the diurnal birds of prey are well known to feed almost ex¬ 
clusively upon small rodents, and in fact differing but little from theowds in regard 

22 Birds. 










338 


BlliDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


to their food. Two or three species of hawks (those belonging to the genus Archi- 
buteo ) are notoriously the best diurnal mouse-catchers of all birds. Their habits to 
soar over the level tracts devoted to grasses and search for their food are so well 
known that further consideration of them is but repetition of established lacts. The 
bolder species of hawks so rarely commit depredations upon the farm-yard fowls 
that these instances are, without doubt, the result of an individual predilection for 
which the entire family should not be branded. The number of rabbits and mice 
which the hawks annually destroy is simply incredible, as any really observant 
person will admit. 

“In my own opinion, the destruction of the hawks and owls within the State of 
Pennsylvania will, ere many years, result in an incalculable inj ury to the farmer, 
who will be overrun with hordes of mice, which he will be powerless to limit, as 
their reproductiveness, when undisturbed, progresses with astonishing rapidity. 

“It would, in my opinion, be a wise measure to have the act relating to the alleged 
noxious birds totally repealed. 

“ Very truly yours, 

“Lucien M. Turner.” 


“American Ornithologists’ Union, 

• * Committee on the Protection of North American Birds. 

“New York, March 12 , 1886. 

“ Dr. B. H. Warren : 

“Dear Sir: The A. O. U. Committee on the Protection of Birds, recognizing 
the great importance of the report of your Committee on the usefulness of Hawks 
and Owls to the farmer, has instructed me to purchase, if possible, one hundred 
copies of the paper containing your report, and to ask if we may have the privilege 
of reprinting it, either in whole or in part, in the interest of the cause, if at any 
time we should find it convenient to do so. Your report is directly in the line of 
our work and could not fail to be a telling influence for good if well circulated. 

“ Very truly yours, 

“Eugene P. Bicknell, 

“ Secretary." 


“Dr. A. K. Fisher, assistant ornithologist U. S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, D. C., in a letter dated January 15, 1887, addressed to Dr. B. H. War¬ 
ren, says: ‘Wednesday 1 received eight adult Red-tails and two Red-shouldered 
Hawks from a man in Maryland. * * * I find nothing but mice and shrews in 
their crops and stomachs (from two to five in each). I found two specimens of 
So rex and the following specimens of mice : Mas musculus , Hesperomys leucopus, 
Arvicola riparius and Arvicola pinetorum. The hawks had been killed because 
they had ‘ killed ’ chickens and quails.” 

“ The committee also made inquiries of the commissioners of the different counties 
as to the numbers of birds and mammals that have been killed and for which 
bounties had been paid, and received answers, up to July 1, 1886, from thirty-four 
counties. The number of hawks killed and reported up to that date was 9,237, at an 
expense of $7,335.10, and of owls 2,499, at an expense of $1,303.90. 

“In many cases, however, the fees of the magistrates were not included, but 
merely the bounties paid on the birds. The bounties paid for minks, weasels, foxes 
and wildcats, raised the sums reported to 115,165.95. 

“As the time included in the returns does not come down to date, and as only 
thirty-four out of sixty-seven counties made reports, it is believed by the committee 
that the counties pay annually not less than 860,000 under the law of 1885, of which 
the largest part is paid for the destruction of hawks and owls. That they are the 
best friends of the farmer, and that their destruction is to him a great disadvantage, 
the committee thinks that it has already shown, by the letters of eminent ornitholo¬ 
gists in its report of March 4 last.” 





APPENDIX . 


339 


The State Board, through its efficient secretary, Thomas J. Edge, Esq., labored 
most industriously to show the economic value of the raptorial birds, and secure 
the repeal of that part of the “ Bounty Act” relating to the hawks and owls. 

The subjoined report, entitled the “Bounty or ‘Scalp’ Act of 1885,” by Thomas J. 
Edge, Esq., will give a very clear idea of the efforts made by the State Board through 
its energetic secretary: 

“ The Bounty or ‘ Scalp ’ Act of 1885 . 

“ During its session of 1885, the Legislature enacted the following act for the de¬ 
struction of wolves, wildcats, foxes, minks, hawks, weasels and owls in this Com¬ 
monwealth : 

“Section 1. Be it enacted , etc ., That for the benefit of agriculture and for the pro¬ 
tection of game, within this commonwealth, there is hereby established the follow¬ 
ing premiums for the destruction of certain noxious animals and birds, to be paid 
by the respective counties in which the same are slain, namely, for every wildcat 
two dollars, for every red or gray fox one dollar, for every mink fifty cents, for 
every weasel fifty cents, for every hawk fifty cents, and for every owl, except the 
Arcadian, Screech or Barn owl, which is hereby exempted from the provisions of 
this act, fifty cents. 

“Section 2 . It shall be the duty of any person, having killed any animal or bird 
mentioned in the first section of this act, and who is desirous of availing himself of 
the premiums therein provided, to produce such slain animal or bird before any 
magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace of the county in which the same was 
killed, and make affidavit of the time and place of killing the same: Provided , 
That the pelt, if entire from the tip of the nose of any such animal, may be produced 
in lieu of the same, when so preferred ; and upon the reception of any such animal 
or pelt, or bird, it shall be the duty of such magistrate, alderman or justice of the 
peace, in the presence of said person killing such animal or bird, and one elector of 
the county, to cut off the ears of such animal or the head of such bird, and in the 
presence of said persons burn the same. 

“Section 3. Upon the destruction of the ears or heads as aforesaid, the magis¬ 
trate, alderman or justice of the peace shall give to the person producing such 
animal or bird, a certificate of compliance with the provisions of this act directed to 
the commissioners of the county in which such animal or bird was slain, which 
certificate shall contain the following facts : the kind of animal or bird killed, when, 
where and by whom killed, and the date by whom and in the presence of what 
elector the ears of said animal or head of said bird was destroyed, and upon the pro¬ 
duction of such certificate the said commissioners shall give an order upon the 
county treasurer for the payment of the premium or premiums provided by this act; 
and it shall be the further duty of the magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace 
taking the affidavit, provided in the second section of this act, to file the same forth¬ 
with, or cause the same to be filed in the office of the commissioners of the county, 
and upon filing the same, the said magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace shall 
receive from the county treasurer, the sum of twenty cents, in full compensation for 
all services under this act. 

“Quite early in 1886, the correspondence of the Board developed the fact that there 
existed among farmers, taxpayers and the several county officers of the state, a 
widespread dissatisfaction at the workings and effect of the law. It also was evident 
that in some one of its many forms, this act would be brought to the notice of the 
present legislature, and the secretary of the Board deemed it advisable to collect all 
possible data on either side of the question, and place it in such a form as would be 
readily available when wanted. As a step in this direction, a circular was prepared 
and sent to every board of county officers in the state, asking for information upon 
the following points, viz : 

“ 1. The total amount of bounty actually paid from each county treasury up to 
November 1, 1886. 





340 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


“2. The effect (in the opinion of the officers) of the repeal of the law so far as it 
affects hawks and owls. 


“3. The effect of the repeal of the whole law. 

“Answers to the first question gives us the following data, which show the 
amount paid by each county from November 1, 1885, to November 1, 1886. A num¬ 
ber of the replies stated that the existence of the act did not become generally 
known until Janury 1 , 1886, and that it would have been more in accordance with 
their experience to have fixed the time covered from January 1, 1886. to January 1, 
1887. A number state that had this latter date been fixed, they would have increased 
the amount paid fully twenty per cent., and in many cases more was paid in the 
two months ending December 31, 1886, than in any six preceding months. From 
this we are inclined to suppose that it will be perfectly safe to increase the amounts 
given below fully twenty per cent., in order to cover the total amount paid by each 
county. The reports give the following as the amounts actually paid between the 
dates given in the circular, viz: from November 1 , 1885, to November 1 , 1886: 


Adams,. 

o 

O 

00 

CO 

Of 

00 

Allegheny,. 

. 53 

00 

Armstrong,. 

. 1,255 

30 

Beaver,. 

. 282 

50 

Berks,. 

. 607 

90 

Blair,. 

. 800 

00 

Bradford,. 

. 1,666 

55 

Bucks, . 

. 444 

30 

Butler,. 

. 833 

75 

Cambria,. 

. 1,181 

10 

Cameron,. 

. 130 

00 

Centre,. 

. 1,827 

05 

Chester,. 

. 944 

50 

Clearfield. 

. 1,500 

00 

Clinton,. 

. 325 

00 

Columbia,. 

. 900 

00 

Crawford,. 

. 8,022 

90 

Cumberland, .... 

. 500 

00 

Dauphin,. 

. 450 

00 

Elk,. 

. . . . 350 

00 

Erie, . 

. 2,746 

00 

Fayette,. 

. 650 

00 

Forest,. 

. 350 

00 

Franklin,. 

. 967 

00 

Fulton,. 

. 700 

00 

Greene,. 

. 1,200 

00 

Huntingdon, .... 

. 2,000 

00 


Indiana, . ... . . $1,251 00 

Juniata,. 584 50 

Lackawanna,. 311 50 

Lancaster,. 715 10 

Lawrence,. 535 90 

Lebanon,. 202 20 

Lehigh,. 267 50 

Luzerne,. 625 00 

Lycoming,. 1,039 00 

McKean,. 1,023 57 

Mercer,. 2,319 70 

Mifflin,. 357 60 

Montgomery,. 85 20 

Northampton,. 381 60 

Northumberland,. 566 70 

Perry, . 1,140 25 

Schuylkill,. 450 00 

Somerset,. 1,600 00 

Sullivan,. 300 00 

Susquehanna,. 1,200 00 

Tioga,. 1,169 00 

Union, . 410 00 

Venango,. 952 60 

Warren,. 1,893 25 

Washington,. 727 50 

Wyoming, . 800 00 


“The answers to the second and third queries (the effect of the repeal of the act 
so far as it applies to hawks and owls, and its total repeal) were answered by the 
respective county officers as follows : 


“Replies of County Commissioners. 

“ Adams.—‘ The law should be repealed except as to wolves, foxes and wild cats ; 
the repeal as to hawks and owls would be a saving to the county of $2,500.’ 

“ Armstrong .—‘ Repeal the whole act.’ 

“Allegheny.—‘So far as this county is concerned, its repeal would not affect the 
number destroyed.’ 

“Beaver.— 1 The commissioners think that the whole act should be repealed.’ 
“Berks .—‘Our opinion is that the whole act should be repealed.’ 

“Bucks .—‘Think that the portion as to hawks and owls should be repealed ; the 
balance of the act should remain as it now is.’ , 




























































APPENDIX. 


341 


“ Bradford .—‘In the opinion of our county commissioners, hawks and owls are 
more beneficial to farmers than detrimental, but they are of the opinion that the 
whole act should be repealed for the following reasons : 

“ ‘ 1. It encourages hunting as an occupation. 

“‘2. Because the motives of self-interest will prompt the destruction of all these 
animals found doing damage. 

“ ‘3. Because of the drain upon the treasury.’ 

“ Blair .—‘The general impression is that the act should stand as it now is; there 
is no doubt that it is beneficial in our county and mountain districts. The effect of 
repealing thfe whole act would be very injurious, both to crops, domestic and wild 
game. The law, as a whole, meets with general approval. The expense for the first 
year seems to be rather burdensome, but in the future it will be much less. There 
were some three hundred and fifty foxes killed since the law went into effect; and 
thus it will be a short time until every destructive and noxious animal will be ex¬ 
terminated. What is true with regard to the fox is also true in relation to the others 
named in the act.’ 

“ Butler .—‘ The act as a whole should stand as it is ; that portion relating to hawks 
and owls should not be repealed.’ 

“ Cambria .—‘We favor the repeal of the whole law, and especially that portion 
referring to hawks and owls.’ 

“ Cameron .—‘The law should be repealed so far as it refers to minks, hawks and 
owls. It has a tendency to encourage a certain class of men who devote their entire 
time to hunting.’ 

“ Centre .—‘ We believe the act ought to be repealed as to hawks and owls. The 
effect of repealing the whole act would be a saving of thousands of dollars to the 
taxpayers annually. There would be about as many of the destructive mammals 
and birds killed if the act was repealed, and by persons whose duty it is to protect 
their property. We emphatically favor repealing the entire act relating to bounties 
on scalps.’ 

“ Chester .—‘The opinion of the county commissioners and farmers generally is 
that the portion of the act referring to hawks and owls should be repealed. As to 
repealing the whole act, there is a difference of opinion. Many do not favor the re¬ 
peal as to foxes, minks and weasels. We have paid bounties on the following : Six 
hundred and sixty-six hawks, sixty owls, two hundred and eight minks, two hun¬ 
dred and forty-eight weasels and one hundred and seven foxes.’ 

“ Clarion .—‘ We believe that the entire act should be repealed. Its repeal would 
be a benefit to the taxpayers, and no disadvantage to the farmers.’ 

“ Clearfield.—‘ Two-thirds of the amount has been paid upon hawks and owls; 
minks, hawks and owls should be abandoned ; wolves, wild cats and foxes should 
be retained.’ 

“ Clinton.—‘ Think there might be a bounty on wolves, wild cats and minks; 
would be satisfied with the repeal of the whole act.’ 

“ Columbia. —‘ Repeal it as to owls, as they feed on mice, etc. The bounty should 
be continued on hawks, as they feed mainly upon poultry. Repealing the whole act 
would have no injurious effects ; the foxes would be killed in this county just the 
same. Weasels destroy rats, mice, etc. Those who are injured by minks would 
kill them just the same without the law.’ 

“ Crawford. —‘ The commissioners are of the opinion that the whole law should be 
repealed at the earliest possible moment. The commissioners are all farmers, and 
they consider the destruction of these mammals and birds a great damage to the 
farmers ; they are the farmers’ best friends.’ 

“ Cumberland. —‘ We do not see that our county will receive any benefit by con¬ 
tinuing in effect any part of the act, and the repeal of the entire act will relieve the 
county of an unnecessary and unwarranted expense.’ 

“ Dauphin .—‘ The repeal of the act would not affect the destruction of hawks and 
owls, as farmers, for self-protection, would destroy all they possibly could. Except 
as to wolves and foxes, we think the laAv should be repealed.’ 





342 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


“ Elk .—‘ Repeal the whole act; there would be just as many killed.’ 

“ Erie .—‘ It is our unanimous opinion that the entire act should be repealed ; it is 
burdensome and inimical to the best interests of the farming community, and a use¬ 
less expenditure of the county money.’ 

“ Fayette. —‘ No complaints from the people at large. Much trouble to the county 
officers with the necessary papers, etc. ’ 

“ Forest. —‘It would be wise to repeal the act as far as it refers to hawks, owls and 
minks.’ 

“ Franklin. —‘ The act ought to be repealed. Twenty-five wild cats, four hundred 
and twenty-five foxes, one hundred and fifty-five minks, eighty-three weasels, six 
hundred and seventy-eight hawks and sixty-eight owls.’ 

“ Fulton. —‘ Our opinion is favorable to continuing the law as it now is.’ 

“ Greene. — 1 Repeal the whole act, or at least that portion referring to hawks and 
owls.’ 

“ Huntingdon. —‘The law of 1885 should be repealed, and if any law is retained it 
should be the same as the old law, having the orders directed to the county commis¬ 
sioners instead of to the county treasurers. It makes considerable extra work for 
the commissioners’ clerk, and often puts persons entitled to an order to great incon¬ 
venience to have it signed by the county commissioners in order to get the money, 
as the commissioners in a majority of the counties only meet once each month. A 
majority of the people in the agricultural districts of this county would oppose a re¬ 
peal of the act.’ 

“ Indiana. —‘Our opinion is that the bounty should be taken off everything men¬ 
tioned in the act of June 23, 1885, and an act passed to pay a bounty for every skunk 
killed.’ 

“ Juniata. —‘ The entire act should be repealed.’ 

“ Lackawanna. —‘ We think that the whole act should be repealed, as it is a nui¬ 
sance, especially so far as it refers to hawks and owls.’ 

“ Lancaster. —‘ The repeal of the act would have a good effect so far as our county 
is concerned.’ 

“ Lawrence. —‘It is the unanimous opinion of the board that the whole act should 
be repealed, believing that the law is entirely unnecessary so far as our county is 
concerned. We have not heard one farmer in the county approve it, but many of 
them condemn it. Its repeal is earnestly requested by all who have any knowledge 
of its workings.’ 

“ Lebanon. —‘The commissioners think that the part of the law referring to owls 
and hawks should be repealed by all means. Aside (from the above owls and 
hawks), we pay very little bounty, as foxes and other mammals are not sufficiently 
numerous to affect our county.’ 

“ Lehigh. —‘ Repeal the whole act if it can be done ; if not, then repeal that portion 
referring to hawks and owls, by all means.’ 

“ Lycoming.—‘ Its repeal would disappoint the farmers in this county. In their 
opinion, instead of a repeal, skunks or polecats should be added.’ 

“ McKean.— ‘Think that the whole act should be repealed, or at least that partre_ 
ferring to hawks and owls.’ 

“ Mercer.— ‘ We are radically in favor of the repeal of the whole act, and in this 
we are supported by the sentiment of the entire farming community of our county.’ 

“ Mifflin.—' We favor the repeal of that portion which relates to hawks and owls, 
and leaving the remainder as it now is.’ 

“ Montgomery. —‘ The repeal of that portion relating to hawks and owls would be 
good.’ 

“ Northampton. —‘ We are not in favor of repealing the act, and prefer it as it now 
stands.’ 

“ Perry.— ‘ The repeal or' the law would be worse than useless. The monej 
already paid in would be thrown away In the future, fewer mammals and birds 
will be found and destroyed ; the number will gradually decrease each year.’ 

“Schuylkill.— ‘The repeal or non-repeal of the law is immaterial to us.’ 



APPENDIX. 


343 


“ Susquehanna. —‘Favorable to a repeal of the act.’ 

“ Tioga .—‘The act referred to is a nuisance, and should be repealed as soon as 
possible.’ 

“ I'nion .—‘The commissioners recommend the repeal of the whole bill, except as 
to foxes. ’ 

“ Venango .—‘ We are in favor of the repeal of the whole act, believing that it would 
give entire satisfaction to the taxpayers of our county.’ 

“ Warren. —‘ Repeal the whole act by all means.’ 

“ Washington .—‘ It is the opinion of the commissioners that the only damage by 
hawks and owls is the destruction of our game birds, which is only felt by hunters; 
on the other hand, by the destruction of mice and other small vermin, they are 
beneficial to the farmer. The repeal of the whole act would be beneficial to our 
farmers.’ 

“ Wyoming .—‘ The effect of the repeal would be good.’ 

“A number of the commissioners have appended" to their reports a list of the 
number of each kind of mammal or bird upon which bounty has been paid. As in¬ 
dicative of the relative proportion of the bounties upon each, we give the following : 

“ Chester. —Hawks, 666 ; owls, 60; minks, 208 ; weasels, 218, and foxes 107. 

“ Franklin. —Hawks, 678; owls, 68; wildcats, 25; foxes, 425 ; minks, 155, and 
weasels, 83. 

“Several of the commissioners state that the premiums upon hawks and owls 
constitute more than fifty per cent, of the total amount paid, while several of the 
commissioners call attention to the fact that wolves are enumerated in the title, but 
are not provided for in the body of the bill. 

“ In addition to the collection of data in this direction the ornithologist of the 
Board, Dr. B. II. Warren, of West Chester, Pa , also had his attention directed to the 
actual results of the effect of the law : First, as it relates to hawks and owls, and, 
second, as a whole. The data which was collected by him is partially shown in an 
article in another portion of this report, and in a lecture delivered at the annual 
meeting of the board in January last. 

“As a condensation of a large amount of correspondence upon this subject, which 
has reached the office of the Board during the past year, we give the following as 
covering the main points : 

“ This act should be repealed because— 

“ 1. It causes a drain upon the treasuries of the respective counties which is not 
warranted by the results produced. 

“2. Hawks and owls, by the destruction of insects, confer a benefit which is much 
more than an offset for the poultry destroyed by them. 

“3. Increased duties are imposed upon county officers, for which no additional 
compensation lias been provided. 

“4. In a number of cases county officers have been imposed on, and bounties ille¬ 
gally drawn. 

“5. It encourages a certain class to follow hunting as a means of livelihood, and 
to the exclusion of other labor. 

“6. Self-interest would lead to the destruction of nearly as many of these noxious 
mammals and birds. 

“7. The repeal of the act will, by the increase of the number of hawks, cause 
greater destruction of field mice, which destroy large amounts of clover and clover 
roots each year. 

“The payment of bounties for any purpose is based upon wrong principles, and 
should be discouraged. 

“The act should not be repealed because— 

“ 1. This being the first year of its action, the total amount paid will be greatly in 
excess of that of any subsequent year, and owing to the increased scarcity each year, 
the amount paid will be annually less. 

“2. By a repeal the good effects of bounties already paid would be practically lost 

“3. The destruction of these birds and mammals protects game. 






344 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


“4. All laws are liable to abuse and violation, and this one is no exception to the 
general rule. 

“5. The effect of a continuance of the law as it now is will be to increase the pro¬ 
duction of poultry and decrease its price.” 

From letters kindly sent by the commissioners of the several counties hereafter 
named, I am enabled to show part of the animals on which bounty was paid tor a 
period of some six months, i. e., from January 1, 1886, to July 1, 1886. From reliable 
informants 1 find that the “Scalp Act” was not generally known to be in existence 
until about January 1, 1886 : 

Allegheny .—4 “cat” owls, i. e., Great-horned Owls. 

Armstrong .—167 hawks; 49 owls, “also quite an amount for foxes, minks and 
weasels.” 

Adams. —“We have paid since the first of October, 1885, to July 3, 1886, for 1,716 
hawks, 402 owls, or $858.00 for hawks, and $201.00 for owls ; total, $1,059.00. The 
premiums on weasels, minks and foxes are about one-third of the above. A bad 
feature about the act is the apparent manner in which the counties are imposed 
upon, in farming hawks, owls, foxes, etc.” 

Bucks. —138 hawks ; 16 owls. 

Bradford .—Total amount paid for all animals from January 8, 1886, to August 1, 
1886, inclusive, $996.00. “ One-half for hawks and owls, balance for weasels, minks- 

and foxes.” 

Blair .—123 hawks ; 13 owls. 

Beaver .—25 hawks; 12 owls. 

Clarion .—165 hawks ; 20 owls. 

Centre .—119 hawks ; 26 owls. 

Cameron. —3 hawks ; 2 owls. 

Ctinton .—34 hawks ; 8 owls. 

Crawford.— “ Bounty account not kept so as to show’ how many of each kind paid 
for; the first five months they were very equally divided, but in May and June 
hawks, weasels and owls predominated ; hawks leading the list. We paid the first 
bounty on a fox November, 1885, $1.00; December, $275.90 ; January, 1886, $279.20; 
February, $182.00 ; March, $207.00; April, $236.40; May, $347.60; June, $1,079.00; 
total, $2,608.10, including justices’ fees.” 

Chester.— 1885—11 haw'ks ; 6 minks ; 5 w'easels ; 1 fox. 1886—from January 1 to 
December, inclusive, 666 hawks ; 60 owls ; 107 foxes ; 208 minks ; 248 weasels. 1887— 
from January 1 to March 18, inclusive, 289 haw-ks; 79 owls ; 84 minks ; 7 foxes ; 
199 w'easels. 

Delaware .—3 hawks; 3 foxes. 

Erie .—414 haw 7 ks; 225 owls ; 107 foxes. “It is rapidly on the increase; one-fifth 
ot the whole number has been within the last two weeks.” This letter w'as dated 
July 13, 1887. 

Fayette. —278 hawks; 80 owds; 82 foxes; 24 minks; 6 wild cats. 

Forest. —110 foxes; 37 hawks; owls 2. 

Franklin.— In 1885, 24 wildcats; 278 foxes; 97 minks; 22 hawks; 9 weasels; 2 
owls. In 1886, from January 1 to July 1, 9 wild cats ; 287 foxes ; 76 minks; 123 hawks; 
22 weasels; 30 ow r ls. 

Huntingdon. —64 owls; 347 hawks; 56 minks; 38 weasels ; 362 foxes; 12 wild cats. 

Indiana .—350 foxes ; 250 weasels ; 300 haw'ks; 150 owls. 

Juniata .—150 hawks; 70 foxes ; 20 owds. 

Lackawanna .—70 foxes; 30hawxs; 5 weasels; 7 wild cats; 25 minks. 

Lycoming .—700 hawks and owds ; 250 foxes. “ We pay about $115.00 per month for 
destroying the above-named animals.” 

Mifflin .—71 hawks ; Howls; 17 w'easels; 14 minks. 

Montour. —“ Paid for all animals $161.40.” 

Mercer .—“Our people did not become apprised of the passage of the act to which 
you refer until some time after its approval, and as a result we did not have any cer¬ 
tificates presented until after the first of December, 1885. Since that time we have 






APPENDIX. 


345 


paid out $1,300.00, and ol this amount fully $1,000.00 has been paid for hawks and 
owls, mostly hawks; have not paid for more than 10 or 12 foxes.” 

McKean. —17 wild cats ; 137 foxes; 115 minks ; 120 hawks; 81 owls ; 22 weasels. 

Montgomery .—42 hawks ; 8 foxes ; 3 owls. 

Pike. —32 hawks ; 4 owls ; 63 foxes ; 9 weasels; 14 minks ; 4 wild cats. 

Perry. —465 hawks; owls, 62; foxes, 453; 130 minks; 52 weasels. Killed during 
1885 (December) and to date, July 6, 1886.” 

Somerset .—14 wild cats; 69 owls; 410 hawks; 250 weasels; 215 minks ; 270 foxes. 
Magistrates’ fees, 8129.75. 

Sullivan. —46 hawks and owls; 49 foxes. 

Susquehayma. —In 1885,19 foxes ; 4 minks ; 5 weasels; 2 hawks ; 4 owls. January 1 
to July 5, 1886, foxes, 217 ; minks, 171; weasels, 83 ; hawks, 223; owls, 55. 

Union. —Hawks, 843.40; owls, 812.60; minks, 821.00 ; weasels, 811.60 ; fees included. 

Venango. —126 hawks ; 28 owls ; 102 foxes. 

In connection with the above I give the additional facts. Centre county for the 
year 1886 paid 81,529.00 as follows: 1,356 skunks at 50 cents; 377 foxes; 383 hawks; 
172 weasels ; 57 owls ; 13 wild cats ; 712 scalp affidavits at 20 cents. From the large 
number of skunks returned it would appear that this county has a “special act,” 
which allows bounty for these animals. Delaware county, on December 22, 1886, 
had paid bounty on 3 foxes; 22 hawks and 1 weasel. Perry county for 1886 paid 
for foxes, minks, weasels and wild cats 8468.85, and for hawks and owls 8760.60. 
Chester county for 1886 paid 81,159.30 for 827 hawks, 108 owls, 231 minks, 334 weasels, 
111 foxes and 8288.30 for affidavits. The largest amount of bounty was paid by 
Crawford county, which was forced to make an outlay of over ten thousand dollars , 
a large portion of which was for hawks and owls. In conclusion I might add that 
by the enforcement of this unjust legislative act the county treasuries, in a period 
of about eighteen months, were depleted to the extent of over 8100,000, of which 
sum, probably, not less than 875,000 were paid for the destruction of hawks and owls. 
Agriculturists, naturalists and others engaged in the protection of these birds are 
under* great obligations to the able chairman of the Senate Agricultural Committee, 
Hon. A. D. Harlan, of Chester county, Pa. Senator Harlan, after being in receipt 
of numerous resolutions passed by farmers’ clubs, institutes and grange organiza¬ 
tions throughout this commonwealth, when waited upon by members of the State 
Agricultural Board and a committee of naturalists, and being convinced that the 
preservation of raptorial birds was of utility to the farmer as well as gratifying to 
the scientist, at once gave his careful attention to the matter, and by his earnest¬ 
ness and industry in his committee and of the body of which he is a member, did 
very much to secure the repeal of this pernicious statute. 





346 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


FOOD OF HAWKS AND OWLS.* 


By Dr. A. K. Fisher, Assistant Ornithologist. 


The present brief synopsis of results, which is preliminary to a special report now 
in preparation on the food habits of the hawks and ow ls of the United States, is based 
on the examination of 1,072 stomachs, 651 of which are in the possession of the de¬ 
partment. Of the 421 stomachs not in the department collection, the greater num¬ 
ber w r ere examined by Dr. B. H. Warren, state ornithologist of Pennsylvania, and 
other members of the American Ornithologists’ Union. The remainder were com¬ 
piled from Professor Samuel Aughey’s “Notes on the Nature of the Food 
of the Birds of Nebraska,”! and Mr. Edward Swift’s recent article on “The 
Food of Rapacious Birds.”! 

Of the 1,072 stomachs examined, 89 were empty. Of the 983 containing food, 57 
contained poultry ; 20, game birds ; 177, other birds ; 528, mice ; 137, other mammals ; 
51, reptiles and batrachians, and 255, insects. On looking at the following tables it 
will be seen that certain species feed principally on mice and insects, while others feed 
chiefly on poultry and small birds. In the latter category, fortunately, there are 
but 5 species in the eastern states, namely, the Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, Duck, and 
Pigeon Haw r ks, and the Great-Horned Owl. Taking out the 126 stomachs of these 
five species, there remain 857 stomachs of 23 species, of which 31 contained poultry ; 
11, game birds; 109, other birds; 518, mice; 125, other mammals; 49, reptiles and 
batrachians, and 241, insects. In other w 7 ords, poultry was found in but 3.6 per cent, 
of the 857 stomach^, while mice were found in 64.4 per cent. 

In the accompanying table the names of the animals found in the stomachs are 
given in general terms, such as mouse , mole , shrew. In nearly all cases (more than 
99 per cent.) the exact species of each has been determined, and recorded, and will 
be given in the final report. This is important, inasmuch as allied species often dif¬ 
fer in economic consequence. Some small mammals are beneficial, and the injuri¬ 
ous species are harmful in different degrees, according to their food habits and the 
character of the places which they inhabit. 

The following persons have contributed stomachs of hawks and owls to the de¬ 
partment collection : Dr. W. C. Avery, Vernon Bailey, W. B. Barrows, F. M. Chap¬ 
man, Hubert L. Clark, William Couper, F. T. Cuthbert, E. O. Damon, L. M. Davies, 
J. L. Davison, F. J. Dixon, William F. Doertenbach, William Dutcher, Jonathan 
Dwight, Jr., Dr. A. K. Fisher, W. K. Fisher, M. M. Green, C. C. Hanmer, 
E. M. Hasbrouck, A. H. Hawley, J. H. Hendrickson, W. F. Hendrickson, H. 
W. Henshaw, H. K. James, C. A. Keeler, William G. W. Leizear, J. B. Lewis, 
William Lloyd, F. A. Lucus, Dr. C. Hart Merriam, G. S. Miller, Jr., H. H. Miller, 
J. Percy Moore, F. S. Place, Charles W. Richmond, Robert Ridgway, C. b. Riker, 
John H. Sage, W. E. Saunders, J. M. Shaffer, Dr. Hugh M. Smith, R. W. Smith, F. 
Stephens, Willard E. Treat, Dr. B. H. Warren, F. S. Webster, H. G. White, Otto 
Widmann, A. H. Wood. 


♦Food of hawks and owls. By Dr. A. K. Fisher, assistant ornithologist. From annual report, United 
States Department Agriculture for 1887. Washington. D. C.. pp. 402-422. 
t First annual report of United States Entomological Commission. Appendix, pp. 42-40. 1878. 
t Forest and Stream, Vol. XXX, No. 0. March 1, 1888. p. 104. 









APPENDIX. 


347 


Statement of the Stomach Contents of More Than 1,000 Hawks 

and Owls. 

<[In Dr. Warren's specimens, the star (*) indicates that the stomach contained foodof the character spec 
ifled in the column-heading under which it occurs, but that its specific identity was not determined.] 

Swallow-tailed Kite ( Elanoides forjicatus). 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Hawkinsville. Fla.. . . 

Mar. 31. 1885, 




Lizard; tree- 
toad ; grass 
hopper?; bee¬ 
tles. 

Do. . . 

do. 




Lizard ; grass¬ 
hoppers; bee¬ 
tles. 

Dixon county. Neb., . 

June —. 1805, 




60 locusts. 5 oth¬ 
er insects. 

Do. 

do. 




69 locusts. 3 oth¬ 
er insects. 

Sarpy county. Neb., . 

Sept. —. 1873, 




75 insects. 


Summary .—Of 5 stomachs examined 5 contained insects ; 2, lizards; 1. tree-toad. 


Mississippi Kite ( Ictinea mississippiensis). 


Madisonville. La., . . 

May 29. 1886, 




Fragments. 

Do. . . 

May 30, 1886, 




Beetles. 


Summary .—Of the 2 stomachs examined, both contained insects. 


Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius.) 


Amityville, L. I., N. Y., 

Oct. 17. 

1885, 



Washington, D. C., . . 

Oct. 29. 

1886. 



Bergen county. N. J., 

Nov. 26. 

1885. 



Washington. D. C., . . 

Jan. —, 

1887, 


Junco. 

Sandy Spring, Md., . . 

Feb. 11, 

1887, 


Do. . . 

Oct. 2. 

1887, 



Do. . . 

Oct. 14, 

1887, 

1887, 



Do. . . 

Nov. 17, 



Do. . . 

Nov. 18, 

1887. 


Tree sparrow, . . 

Do. . . 

Nov. 23. 

1887. 



Travare. Dak. 

July 5, 

1887, 



Pembina, Dak., .... 

July 30, 

1887, 



Do. .... 

do. 




Do. .... 

do. 
Oct. 4. 
Oct. 18, 

1887, 



Long Island City, N. Y. 

1887, 

Duck. 


East Hartford, Conn., 

Sept. 17, 

1887, 


Cromwell, Conn. 

Oct. 5, 

1886, 



Devil’s Lake, Dak.. . . 

Aug. 11, 

1887, 



Do. . . 

Aug. 17, 

1887. 



Sandy Spring. Md., . . 

Oct. 17, 

1887, 



Do. . • 

Feb. 13. 

1887, 



Sing Sing. N. Y. 

Oct. 1, 

1881, 

Fowl. 

Small bird. 

Do. . . . 

Sept. 17. 

1882, 


Wethersfield. Conn.. . 

Sept. 17. 

1887, 


Small bird, . . . 

Do. 

Sept. 24, 

1887, 


East Hartford, Conn.. 

Nov. 12, 

1886, 



Do. 

Oct. 17, 

1886, 



Paint Rock, Texas. . . 

Dec. 7, 

1886, 

Fowl. 


Washington, D. C.. . . 

Sept. 11, 

1886, 


East Bradford, Pa.. . . 

Aug. 22, 

1878. 


2 warblers, . . . 

Westtown, Pa., .... 

Aug. 30. 

1878, 


Oxford, Pa. 

Nov. 5. 

1879, 



Brazile Creek. Neb., . 

Oct. —, 




Do. 

do. 




Otoe county, Neb., . . 

Sept. —, 

1864. 




Meadow mouse. 
3 meadow mice. 
Meadow mouse, 
do. 

Meadow mouse, 
do. 

2 pine mice; 2 
meadow mice. 
Pine mouse ; 2 
meadow mice. 
Meadow mouse. 
2 s t r i p e d go¬ 
phers. 

Striped gopher. 
Hair of striped 
gopher. 

Striped gopher. 
Shrew. 

2 meadow mice. 

Meadow mouse. 
Striped gopher. 
Meadow mouse, 
do. 


Mice. 

do. 

3 meadow mice. 
2 meadow mice. 
Skunk. 

Mice. 

do. 

do. 


Empty. 


Reptiles; G9 in¬ 
sects. 

15 locusts. 77 
other insects. 

71 locusts. 10 
other insects. 

























































































348 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Marsh Hawk — Continued. 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Sarpy county, Neb., 

Do. 

Sept. — , 1864. 

do. 



Gopher,. 

Lizard ; 69 lo 
• custs. 

51 locusts. 

Douglas county. Neb., 

Elmira, N. Y. 

Oct. —. 1864, 

May 7, 1886. 



4 mice. 

Lizards ; 43 lo 
custs. 

Do. . 

July 11, 1886, 



Mouse. 

Beetles. 

Tyrone, N. Y. 

Do. .... 

Aug. 17, 1886. 
do. 



Red squirrel. 
Field mice. 


Barton, N. Y., .... 

Hale county, Ala., . . 
Washington, D. C., . . 

Aug. 1, 1886, 

Mar. 17, 1888, 
Mar. 28, 1888. 

Wood¬ 

cock, 

Quail. 


Meadow mouse. 

Beetles. 


Summary .—Of 46 stomachs examined, 5 contained poultry or game birds; 5, other birds; 24, mice; 9. 
other mammals ; 3, reptiles ; 8, insects, and 1 was empty. Twenty-two stomachs examined by the di¬ 
vision contained 21 mice. 


Sharp-shinned Hawk ( Accipiter velox). 


Sing Sing. N. Y., ... 

Sept. 10, 

1885, 




Empty. 

Do. ... 

Sept. 17, 

1885, 


2 warblers. 


Do. ... 

do. 



Warbler. 



Do. ... 

Sept. 24, 

1885, 


Field sparrow. 



Southold. N. Y. 

Nov. 20, 

1885, 


Chippie, purple 







grackle. 



Alfred Centre. N. Y., . 

Sept. 17, 

1885, 


Warbler. 



Taunton, Mass., ... 

Oct. 6, 

1885, 


Goldfinch. 



Do. ... 

Nov. 21, 

1885, 


2 small birds. 



Sing Sing. N. Y. 

Sept. 25, 

1886, 


Junco and king- 







let. 



Peterborough, N. Y., . 

July 22. 

1886, 


Small bird. 



Portland, Conn. 

Mar. 27, 

1886, 


Robin. 



Maplewood, N. J., . . 

May 25, 

1886, 


Oriole; swift 



Montgomery co.. Pa., 

Sept. 18, 

1886, 


Small bird. 



Woodstock. Conn., . . 

May 2, 

1887, 


do. 



Long Island City.N.Y. 

Sept. 21. 

1887, 


English spar- 







row; warbler. 



Greensborough, Ala., . 

Nov. 11. 

1887, 


White-thro a t e d 







sparrow. 



Middletown, Conn.. . . 

Jan. 19, 

1887, 


2 English spar- 







rows. 



Portland, Conn., . . . 

Apr. 2, 

1887, 


Robin. 



Do. ... 

Oct. 20, 

1887, 


Field sparrow. 



Fort Buford, Dak.. . . 

Sept. 9, 

1887, 


Thrush. 



Washington, D. C., . . 

Dec. 31, 

1887, 


White-throated 







sparrow. 



Sing Sing, N. Y. 

East Hartford. Conn., 

Apr. 7, 

1880. 


Robin. 



Oct. 17, 

1886, 


Warbler. 



Easthampton. Mass., . 

May 9, 

1874, 


Junco. 



South Windsor. Conn., 

Nov. 4, 

1887. 





Portland, Conn., . . . 

Nov. 8, 

1886, 




Empty. 

Do. ... 

Feb. 4, 

1881, 


Goldfinch. 


do.* 

Fort Buford, Dak., . . 

Sept. —, 

1887, 


Dove. 


Sandy Spring. Md., . . 

Apr. 23, 

1887. 





Do. . . 

do. 





do. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Bluebird, .... 


do. 

Do. . . 

Sept. 20, 

1887. 



Do. . . 

Sept. 26, 

1887, 


Small bird, . . . 


do. 

Do. ". . 

Oct. 2. 

1887. 



Do. . . 

Nov. 5, 

1887, 




do. 

Do. . . 

Nov. 22, 

1887, 




do. 

Chester county. Pa., . 

Nov. 26, 

1886, 


Fox sparrow ; 


do. 

Do. 

Sept. 20, 



song sparrow. 



1884, 


Field sparrow, 


Beetles. 

Do. 

Sept. 28, 

1880, 

Quail. 



Do. 

Sept. 10, 

1874, 


English sparrow, 

Mice. 


Do. 

Oct. —, 

1875, 


♦ 

do. 


Do. 

Feb. 16, 

1880, 



do. 


Do. 

May 19, 

1881, 

Poultry 


Insects. 

Elmira, N. Y. 

Mar. 4, 

1S86, 


English sparrow, 

Mouse. 

Do. .... 

Apr. 18, 

1886. 


Small bird. 


Big Flats, N. Y. 

Sept. 23, 

1886, 


English sparrow. 



Do. .... 

Gainesville, Fla., . . . 

do. 
Dec. 22, 

1887, 




Indeterminate- 

Empty. 


Summary.— Of 48 stomachs examined. 2 contained poultry and game birds ; 35, other birds ; 4, mice: 2 
insects; and 10 were empty. Total number of small birds. 41. 









































































































APPENDIX 


349 


Cooper’s Hawk ( Accipiter cooperi). 


Locality. 



Poultrv 




Date. 

or game 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 




birds. 



Taunton, Mass. 

Sept. 21. 

1885. 


Chewink. 



Do. .... 

River Vale, N. J. 

Oct. 6, 
Sept. 18. 
Nov. 28. 

1885, 

1886. 
1886, 


do. 


1 grasshopper. 

Washington. D. C., . . 


Tree sparrow. 



Sing Sing, N. Y. 

Sept. 7. 

1880, 

Chicken 



Do. . . . 

Nov. 18. 

1884, 

do. 




Greensborough, Ala., . 

Oct. 28. 

1887, 



Empty. 

Do. 

Mar. 6, 

1887, 

Pigeon. 



Do. 

July —. 

1887, 

do. 




Do. 

Aug. 4, 

1887. 

do. 



do. 

Do. 

Aug. 30, 

1887. 




Do. 

Sept. 13. 

1887, 

Pigeon. 



Sand lizard. 

Do. 

Sept. 27, 

1887, 

1887, 



Empty. 

Wetherfleld. Conn., 

Sept. 9, 




do. 

East Hartford, Conn., 

July 31, 

1887. 




do. 

Sandy Spring, Md., . . 

Jan. 14, 

1887, 

Quail, . 



Do. . . 

Mar. 1. 

1887, 

Song sparrow. 



Do. . . 

Apr. 22, 

1887, 

Chicken 



Do. . . 

May 7, 

1887, 

do. 



do. 

Do. . . 

May 25, 

1887, 




do. 

Do. . . 

Sept. 14, 

1887, 




do. 

Do. . . 

Sept. 21, 

1887. 




Do. . . 

Nov. 24, 

1887. 


Purple grackle. 



Do. . . 

Dec. 26, 

1887. 

Quail. 



Do. . . 

Jan. 30, 

1888, 

do. 




Do. . . 

Feb. 11, 

1888, 


Junco; Savanna 



Chester county, Pa.. . 




sparrow. 



Nov. 13. 

1886, 


Junco. 



Do. 

Nov. 27, 

1886, 


Small bird. 



Do. 

Dec. 17, 

1886, 

Chicken 




Do. 

Jan. 10. 

1887, 


Small bird. 



Do. 

Jan. 17, 

1887. 




Empty 

Do. 

Feb. 1, 

1887, 

1887, 


Small bird. 


Do. 

Feb. 20. 

Chicken 




Do. 

Mar. 3, 

1887. 


Meadow lark. 



Do. 

Dec. 6, 

1878. 


* 



New Castle co., Del., . 

Nov. 1. 

1878. 

Poultry 




Willistown, Pa. 

Dec. 6, 

1878, 

* 



East Bradford. Pa., . . 

May 25. 

1875, 




Frog. 

East Goshen. Pa. 

May 20, 
Aug. 25, 

1877, 



Mice. . . 

Coleoptera 

Westchester. Pa., . . 

1876, 


English sparrow. 


Pocopson, Pa.,. 

Nov. 12, 

1879, 

Poultry 




Westchester, Pa.'. . . 

Sept. 10, 

1880, 


English sparrow. 



Sandy Spring, Md., . . 

Mar. 17, 

1888, 

. • . • • 

Sparrow. 



Gainesville, Fla. 

Dec. 22, 

1887, 




Empty. 

Sandy Spring, Md., . . 

Mar. 24, 

1888, 


Song sparrow. 


Do. . . 

Apr. 2, 

1888. 




do. 


Summary .—Of 46 stomachs examined. 15 contained poultry or game birds; 17, other birds; 1, mice; 
1. frog; 1, lizard ; 2, insects, and 11 were empty. 


Goshawk ( Accipiter atricapillus). 


Sandy Spring. Md.. . . 

Dec. 

27, 1887. 



Rabbit. 


Adirondack. N. Y., . . 

Oct. 

31. 1882, 



2 red squirrels. 


Philadelphia. Pa.. . . 

Jan. 

12. 1886, 



Rabbit 


Dixon and Ceder coun- 

Aug. 

-, 1867. 



do. 

Few locusts. 

ties, Nebr... 

Tioga, Pa.. 

Feb. 

17. 1886, 



Mouse; weasel. 


Elmira, N. Y. 

Apr. 

12. 1886, 



Mice. 

Beetles. 


Summary.— Of 6 stomachs examined. 2 contained mice ; 5, other mammals ; 2, insects. 


Red-tailed Hawk ( Bateo borealis). 


Taunton. Mass. 

Portland, Conn. 


Do. 

Alfred Centre, N. Y., 
Do. 

Peterborough, N. Y., 
Oneida Lake. N. Y.. 
Morrisville. N. Y... . 
-Chester county Pa., 
Do. 


Nov. 18, 

1885, 


Feathers. 


Sept. 4, 

1885, 




Nov. 25, 

1885. 

Fowl. 



Aug. 28. 

1886, 




Oct. 25. 

1886, 



Shrew. 

July 5, 

1886, 

Fowl. 



Aug. 30, 

1886, 



Red squirrel. 

Sept. 27. 

1886, 



Meadow mouse. 

May 15. 

1886. 

Fowl. 

Oriole. 

Rabbit. 

Mar. 10. 

1886, 



Meadow mouse. 


2 adders; rib¬ 
bon snakes; 
toad. 

Grasshoppers. 


Grubs 




































































































350 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Red-tailed Hawk— Continued. 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Birmingham, Pa. 

Mar. 15, 1886. 

Fowl. 

Grac-kle. 


Portland. Conn. 

Chickamauga, Tenn.. . 

July 25. 1886, 




Feb. 13. 1886. 




Lockport, N. Y. 

July 13, 1886, 



4 meadow mice, 

Forge. Suffolk county, 

N. Y. 

Whitewater, Wis., . . 

Feb. 16, 1887, 
Aug. 17, 1887, 

Fowl. 


Meadow mouse. 

Washington, D. C.. . . 

May 4, 1887, 



Pine mouse; 

Middletown, Conn.. . . 

Nov. 20, 1886, 



meadow mouse. 
Mouse,. 

Portland, Conn. 

Dec. 20, 1886, 



Gray squirrel. 

Gainesville, Va...... 

Jan. 2, 1888, 



2 house mice. 

Howard county, Md., . 

Nov. 3. 1887, 
Dec. 29. 1887. 




Washington, D. C., . . 


Song sparrow, . . 

Meadow mouse. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 20, 1888. 


House mouse; 3 

Sing Sing, N. Y., ... 

Feb. 18, 1885, 



meadow mice. 

4 meadow mice; 

2 white-footed 
mice; shrew. 

2 shrews. 

Do. ... 

Apr. 13, 1885, 



Lewis county, N. Y., . 

Aug. 3. 1876, 




Portland, Conn.,. . . . 

Mar. 2. 1887. 




Troy, Pa. 



Sreech owl. 


Devil’s Lake, Dak., . . 

Aug. 11, 1887, 



Gray gopher; 

East Hartford, Conn., 

Sept. 14, 1885, 



striped gopher. 

Sandy Spring, Md., . . 

Jan. 8, 1887. 



Pine mouse; 

Do. . . 

do. 



shrew. 

2 meadow mice. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Meadow mouse; 

Do. . . 

do. 



white-footed 
mouse; shrew. 

4 house mice; 

Do. . . 

do. 



1 meadow 
mouse. 

3 house mice; 1 

Do. . . 

do. 



meadow mouse; 
shrew. 

3 meadow mice. 

Do. . 

do. 



3 meadow mice; 

Do. . . 

do. 



3 shrews. 

1 house mouse; 

2 pine mice; 2 
meadow mice; 

1 shrew. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 14, 1887. 



Do. . . 

do. 



1 pine mouse ; 2 
meadow mice. 
Meadow mouse. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 22. 1887. 



Do. . . 

do. 



do. 

Do. . . 

do. 



do. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 28, 1887, 



do. 

Do. . . 

do. 


Crow. 

do. 

Do. . . 

Do. . . 

do. 

Feb. 11, 1887, 


do. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Meadow mouse. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Pine mouse; 

Do. . . 

Mar. 2, 1887. 



meadow mouse. 
Shrew. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Do. . . 

do. 



Meadow mouse; 

Do. . . 

do. 



2 house mice. 

1 meadow mouse; 

Do. . . 

do. 



1 house mouse. 
2 meadow mice; 

Do. 

do. 



gray squirrel. 
Meadow mouse. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Shrew. 

Do. . . 

Mar. 2, 1887, 



Do. . . 

Do. . . 

do. 

do. 

Fowl. 


5 meadow mice. 

Do. . . 

do. 


Bluebird. 

Meadow mouse. 

Do. . . 

do. 


Tree sparrow. . 

Do. . . 

do. 



Meadow mouse. 

Do. . . 

do. 



do. 

Do. . . 

Mar. 5, 1887. 


2 song sparrows. . 

do. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Meadow mouse ; 

Do. . . 

do. 


Song sparrow. . . 

white-footed 
mouse ; mole. 
Rabbit. 

Do. . . 

Do. . . 

do. 

do. 


Feathers. 



Miscellaneous. 


Empty. 

Offal. 

Toad;2 beetles. 


13 grasshop¬ 
pers; 5 crick¬ 
ets; 1 beetle; 
1 crawfish. 
Large adder. 

5 grasshoppers. 


Empty. 


Garter snake. 
Empty. 

Frogs; 10 large 
grasshoppers. 
2 frogs; potato 
beetle. 


Empty. 


do. 

Larva. 


do. 


Empty. 


Grasshopper. 


Empty. 






























































































APPENDIX 


351 


Re d-Ta i led Hawk— Gontinued. 


Locality. 


Date. 


Poultry 
or game 
birds. 


Other birds. 


Mammals. 


Miscellaneous. 


Sandy Spring, Md., . 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 


LfO. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 


Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 


Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Chester county, Pa., 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 


Mar. 5, 18S7, 

Mar. 8-10.1887, 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


2 meadow mice ; 
rabbit. 

Meadow mouse, 
do. 


3 meadow mice. 

2 moles. 

Shrew. 

Rabbit. 

do. 

Gray squirrel. 
Meadow mouse ; 
chipmunk.. . . 


Mar. 12. 1887. 
Mar. 18. 1887, 
Mar. 24, 1887, 
April 1. 1887, 
do. 

Apr. 25, 1887, 
Apr. 28, 1887, 


Feathers. 
Robin, . 


2 sparrows, 


Meadow mouse. 
3 meadow mice. 
Meadow mice. 
Pine mouse. 

Mole. 

Meadow mouse ; 
gray squirrel. 


Nov. 14. 1887, 


do. 


do. 


Nov. 27. 1887, 
Dec 12, 1887. 


Gray squirrel. 


do. 

Dec. 24. 1887, 
Dec. 28, 1887. 
do. 


do. 

do. 


House mouse. 

2 meadow mice. 


1 house mouse; 1 
meadow mouse 
3 shrews. 
Meadow mouse. 


Jan. 

3. 

1888. 

Jan. 

7. 

1888, 

Jan. 

14. 

1888, 

Jan. 

11. 

1888, 

Jan. 

14, 

1888, 

Jan. 

19, 

1888, 

Jan. 

30, 

1888, 

Jan. 

28. 

1888, 

Jan 

30, 

1888, 

Feb. 

13, 

1888, 

Feb. 

18, 

1888, 

Feb. 

22, 

1888, 

May 

- , 

1886, 

Oct. 

15, 

1886, 

Nov. 

22, 

1886. 

Nov. 

1(5, 

1886. 

Dec. 

4. 

1886, 

Dec. 

8. 

1886, 

Dec. 

29, 

1886, 

Feb. 

11. 

1887. 

Feb. 

lti. 

1887. 

Dec. 

11. 

1886, 

Jan. 

- , 

1887, 

Dec. 

11. 

1886, 

Dec. 

» 

1886, 

do 



Nov. 

- , 

1886, 

do 

). 


Feb. 

16, 

1887. 

Dec. 


1886, 

Dec. 

11, 

1886. 

Dec. 

18, 

1886, 

Apr. 

20. 

1886. 

Dec. 

28, 

1886, 

Nov. 

- , 

1886. 

do. 


do 

1. 


do 



do 

I. 


Dec. 

28, 

188(5, 

do 

1 . 


do 

1 . 


Jan. 

15, 

1887, 

Nov. 


1886, 

do. 


Jan. 

♦ 

1887, 


Fowl. 


Fowl, . 


Fowl 


Fowl 


Fowl. 

do. 


Fowl. 


do. 


Meadowlark, 


Crow. 


Crow 


Oriole 


Sparrow. 


Song sparrow, 
do. 


2 Meadow mice. 
Meadow mouse. 

3 meadow mice. 
2 house mice. 

5 meadow mice. 

Meadow mouse. 
House mouse. 


Gray squirrel. 
House mouse. 
Meadow mouse, 
do. 


4 meadow mice. 


Meadow mouse. 

House mouse ; 
meadow mouse 
2 meadow mice. 
Pine mouse, 
do. 


Meadow mouse ; 

2 house mice. 

7 house mice. 

Mouse. 

4 meadow mice. 

Meadow mouse. 

2 meadow mice. 

3 meadow mice. 

2 meadow mice. 

1 meadow mouse. 
Meadow mice ; 

rabbit. 

5 meadow mice. 

2 house mice ; 1 
meadow mouse. 

3 meadow mice. 

2 meadow mice ; 

mole. 

Meadow mouse ; 
rabbit; shrew. 


2 wood frogs. 
Empty, 


Crawfish. 


Insect remains. 


Empty. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


do. 


do 


Empty. 

do. 

do. 


do. 

Offal. 


Empty. 

do 


do. 


Empty. 

Beetles 

Empty. 














































































































352 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Red-Tailed Hawk— Continued. 


Locality. 

Date, 

Chester county. Pa., 


Jan. —, 1887, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Oct. —, 1886, 

Do. 


Dec. —. 188(L 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Jan. —, 1887, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Dec. —, 1886. 

Do. 


Oct. —, 1886. 

Do. 


Dec. —, 1886, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Jan. 25, 1887, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Jan. 26, 1887. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Dec 31, 1886, 

Do. 


Jan. 1, 1887, 

Do. 


Jan. 3, 1887, 

Do. 


Jan. 7. 1887. 

Do. 


Jan. —, 1887, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Jan. 18, 1887, 

Do. 


Jan. 17. 1887, 

Do. 


Jan. 22, 1887, 

Do. 


Nov. —, 1886. 

Do. 


Dec. —. 1886, 

Do. 


Nov. —, 1886, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Jan. —, 1887, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

* Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Feb. —, 1887, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do- 


do. 

Do 


do. 

Do. 


Mar. 10, 1887, 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


Feb. —. 1887, 

East Bradford. Pa., . 


Eeb. 4. 1879, 

Westtown, Pa. 


.Jan. 5. 1881, 

East Bradford, Pa.,. 


Feb. 15, 1879. 

Do. 


do. 

Do. 


do. 

Willistown, Pa. 


Apr. 4, 1878. 

Westtown. Pa. 


Mar. 11, 1879. 

Pocopson, Pa. 


Nov. 25, 1878, 

Willistown. Pa., . . 


Jan/ 3, 1879, 

West Bradford. Pa.. 


Jan. 13, 1879. 

Kennett, Pa. 


Jan. 15. 1879, 

Do. . . . . 


do. 

Willistown, Pa. f . . 


Jan. 21. 1879, 

Do. . . 


do. 

East Bradford. Pa.. 


Mar. 24. 1879, 

Do. 


Dec. 25. 1883, 

Chester county. Pa.. 


Feb. 15. 1878, 

Birmingham, Pa., . 


Dec. 31. 1884, 

Willistown. Pa.. . . 


Jan. 6, 1885, 

Do. . . 


do. 

East Bradford. Pa... 


do. 

Chester county. Pa.. 


Jan. 5, 1881, 

Willistown, Pa., . . 


Feb. 15. 1878, 

Do. . . 


Oct. —, 1876, 

East Bradford. Pa... 


Aug. 15. 1876, 

Willistown, Pa., . . 


Apr. 8, 1877, 

Do. . . 

. 

do. 


Poultry 
or game 
birds. 


Fowl. 

do. 


Quail. 


Poultry 

do. 


Poultry. 


Poultry 

do. 


Other birds. 


Feathers 


Feathers. 


Meadowlark. 


Tree sparrow. 


Crow. 


* 


* 


Mammals. 


Meadow mouse ; 

red squirrel. 

3 meadow' mice. 

3 meadow mice ; 
red squirrel. 

4 meadow mice. 

1 meadow mouse. 

do. 

Rabbit. 

3 meadow mice. 
Red squirrel. 
House mouse, . 

House mouse. 
Meadow mouse ; 
white-footed I 
mouse. 

Meadow mouse. 

6 meadow mice. 
Mouse. 

White-f o o t e d 
mouse ; shrew. ! 
Meadow mouse. 
Mouse. 

Meadow mouse. 

2 meadow mice, j 
2 meadow mice ; J 

shrew. 

1 meadow mouse. 
Meadow mouse, 
do. 
do. 

House mouse. 

5 meadow mice. 
Mouse. 

Red squirrel. 
Meadow mouse ; 

red squirrel. 
Meadow mouse. 


Meadow mouse. 

2 meadow mice ; 
white-footed 
mouse. 

Meadow mouse, 
do. 

6 meadow mice. | 
Meadow mouse ; j 
shrew. 

3 meadow mice ; ! 
2 house mice. ! 


Shrew. 

Meadow mouse. 
2 meadow mice. 
7 Meadow mice. 
Mice. 


Mice. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do.. 

Mice. 


Mice 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Mice, 

do. 

do. 


Mice. 

Rabbit. 

Mice. 


Miscellaneous. 


Grasshopper 


Frog. 


Empty. 


Offal. 


Grasshoppers. 


Insects. 

do. 


Grasshopper. 


























































































































APPENDIX 


353 


Red-tailed Hawk— Continued. 


Locality. 


Date. 


Lancaster county. Pa., 

Apr. 

2. 

1878. 

West Bradford, Pa., . 

Nov. 

25. 

1879. 

East Bradford. Pa.. . 

Feb. 

4. 

1879. 

Cain. Pa. 

Feb. 

22. 

1879. 

Do. 

do. 


Westtown, Pa., .... 

Jan. 

23. 

1879, 

Do. .... 

do. 


East Bradford. Pa., . 

Jan. 

20. 

1879. 

Westtown, Pa. 

Jan. 

28. 

1879. 

Do. .... 


do. 


Do. .... 

Jan. 

20. 

1879, 

Do. .... 


do 


East Bradford. 

Feb. 

-, 

1879, 

Do. .... 


do. 


Lancaster county. Pa., 

Apr. 

2. 

1878, 

East Bradford, Pa... . 

Feb. 

-, 


Westtown. Pa. 

Jan. 

28. 

1879. 

Chester county. Pa.. . 


do. 


Pocopson, Pa. 

Feb. 

8. 

1879, 

Cain. Pa. 

Feb. 

9. 

1878. 

West Goshen. Pa.. . . 

Feb. 



Westtown, Pa. 

Jan. 

29. 

1879. 

Maryland,. 

Feb. 

—, 

1879, 

East Bradford, Pa., . 

Feb. 

8, 

1879. 

Willistown. Pa. 

Jan. 

21, 

1879, 

West Whiteland. Pa., 

Mar. 


1879, 

Willistown, Pa. 

Jan. 

13, 

1879. 

Chester county. Pa.. . 

Jan. 

3. 

1879. 

West Bradford. Pa.. . 

Jan. 

3. 

1S80. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Nov. 

27, 

1874, 

East Bradford, Pa.. . 

Dee. 

—. 

1SS2. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Jan. 


1882. 

Westtown, Pa. 

Jan. 

5, 

1881. 

Willistown, Pa. 

Jan. 

2, 

1880. 

West Bradford, Pa.. . 

Nov. 

27. 

1880, 

Willistown, Pa. 

Mar. 

27. 

1880. 

Do. . . . 

Mar 

22. 

1880, 

East Goshen, Pa., . . 

Mar. 

20. 

1880, 

Willistown. Pa. 


do. 


Birmingham. Pa.. . . 

Feb. 

26. 

1880, 

Delaware county. Pa., 

Feb 

23. 1880, 

Do. 


do. 


Do. 

Jan. 

30. 

1880. 


Poultry 
or game 
birds. 


Quail. 


Other birds. 


Westtown. Pa. 

Chester county. Pa.. 
Do. 

New Garden, Pa., . . 
East Goshen, Pa.,. . 
Chester county, Pa., 
Do. 

Willistown. Pa 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Chester county. Pa. 
West Goshen. Pa.. 
East Goshen, Pa.. 
Dakota City, Neb., 
Elmira, N, Y., . . 


Do. 

Do. 


Do. . . 

Wellsburgh. N. Y., 
Halsey Valley. N. Y 
Sandy Spring, Md., 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

. Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do- 

Gainsville. Fla . . 


Dec. 5. 
Dec. 3. 

do. 
Nov. 26. 
Sept. 15, 
Dec. 10. 
Oct. 3, 
Feb. —, 
Jan. 20. 
Jan. —. 
Dec. 19. 
Jan. 18. 
Nov. 20. 
Mar. 26. 
Sept. —. 
Dec. —. 
Feb. 19. 
July —. 
June 1. 
June 19. 
July 21, 


1879. 

1879, 


1879. 

1877’. 

1880. 
1876. 
1876. 
1876. 
1878. 

1875. 

1876. 
1876. 

1874, 

1875, 
1875. 
1870. 
1886, 
1886. 
1886. 


Oct. 2. 1886, 
Apr. 7. 1887. 
Aug. 10. 1887. 
Mar. 6. 1888, 
do. 

Mar. 7, 1888, 
do. 
do. 


Mar. 9. 1888. 
Mar. 15. 1888, 
do. 
do. 

Mar. 17. 1888. 
do. 

Mar. 19. 1888. 
Jan. 4, 1888. 


Poultry 

do. 


Quail. 


Poultry. 


Poultry. 


Quail, 


Chicken 


Feathers. 


Mammals. 


Mice 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


Mice. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Red squirrel; 

mice. 

Mice. 

do. 

3 mice. 

Mice. 


Miscellaneous. 


Offal. 


Red squirrel. 

Red squirrel; 

mice. 

Rabbit. 

Mice,. 


do. 

do. 

do. 

Red squirrel 
mice. 

Mice. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


Mice. 

do. 

do. 


Tree sparrow. 

2 tree sparrows ; 
1 song sparrow. 


Song sparrow ; 
junco. 


Song sparrow. 


Mice. 


Mice. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Gray squirrel. 
Mice. 


Rat; red squirrel 


Grasshoppers 
and crickets. 
Insects. 


Empty. 

37 insects. 


Gras shopper; 
beetles. 


3 mice. 

Hair.Beetles. 

2 mice.Grasshoppers. 


Meadow mouse. 


Meadow mouse 
rabbit. 

Mole. 


Meadow mouse. 
2 house mice. 
Shrew. 

Meadow mouse, 
do. 

2 cotton rats. 


Empty. 

do. 


do. 


23 Birds. 































































































































354 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Red-Tailed Hawk— Continued. 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Sandy Spring. Md.. . . 

Chester county. Pa.. . 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Sandy Spring, Md., . . 

Mar. 24. 1888, 

Feb. —, 1887. 
Jan. —, 1887. 
Apr. - 1887, 

Feb. — , 1887, 
do. 
do. 
do. 

Mar. 28. 1888. 

j 


1 pine mouse ; 1 
meadow mouse 

3 meadow mice, 
do. 

2 meadow mice. 
Meadow mice. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Toad, crawflsh 

Do. . . 

Mar. 30. 1888, 



2 meadow mice, 

May beetle; 

Do. . . 

Apr. 18, 1888, 




other insects. 
Empty. 


Suvimary.—Ot 311 stomachs examined, 29 contained poultry or game birds ; 35, other birds ; 203. mice 
55, other mammals ; 9, batrachians or reptiles ; 24 insects ; 3 crawflsh ; 4, offal, and 29 were empty. Two 
hundred and ten examined by the division contained 270 mice. * 


Red-Shouldered Hawk ( Buteo lineatus ). 


Sing Sing. N. Y. 

Oct. 

3. 1885, 


Flicker. 


Toad ; snake; 
cricket; larva. 
G r a sshopper; 

Alfred Centre. N. Y.. . 

Sept. 11. 1885. 



Mouse. 

Do. 

Sept. 13, 1886, 



4 shrews, .... 

larva; spider. 
G rasshoppers ; 

Do. 

Sept. 12. 1886, 




spider. 

Grasshoppers. 

Peterborough, N. Y., . 

June 25. 1886, 




Frogs: beetles. 

Do. 

do. 



Redbacked 

Do. 

June 28. 1886. 



mouse; 3 
shrews. 

Meadow mouse : 

Beetles; craw- 

Do. 

do. 



3 shrews. 

1 shrew. 

fish ; spider. 

Do. 

July 28. 1886. 




Insects. 

Oneida Lake, N. Y., . 

Aug. 30. 1886, 




Squash bug. 

Morrisville, N. Y., . . 

Sept. 

6, 1886, 



Meadow mouse ; 

10 grasshoppers 

Birmingham. Pa. 

Chester county, Pa.. . 

Mar. 15, 1886, 
Jan. 3, 1886, 


Feathers. 

1 shrew. 

Cricket; larvm; 

East Hartford, Conn., 

Dec. 14. 1886. 



Meadow mouse. 

2 spiders 

Frog. 

Gainesville, Florida, . 

Feb. 28. 1887. 



do. 

Do. 

Mar. 17. 1887, 




Frog ; dragon 

Do. 

April 7, 1887, 




flies. 

Lizard; 2 crick- 

Do. 

April 11. 1887. 

• 



ets; larvae of 
beetles. 
Snake; insects; 

Greensborough. Ala.. . 

Nov. 19. 1887. 




earth worm. 
Grasslio p p e r ; 

East Hartford, Conn., 

April 5. 1887, 



Shrew. 

crickets. 
Garter snake ; 

Do. 

July 5. 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 

bull-frog. 
Beetle ; wasp ; 

Portland. Conn. 

Oct. 29. 1887. 




larvae. 

Leopard frog. 

Washington, D. C., . . 

Dec. 24, 1887. 



House mouse; 2 

Crawflsh. 

Do. . . 

do. 



meadow mice. 
Meadow mouse ; 

Frog ; grass- 

Do. . . 

Jan. 22, 1888, 



shrew. 

hoppers. 

Empty. 

Greensborough. Ala.. 

Feb. 16. 1888, 


V 


Grasshoppers ; 

beetles. 

Grasshoppers. 

Locust Grove. N. Y., . 

Aug 24, 1876. 




Sing Sing, N. Y. 

April 8. 18S0. 



Mouse. 

Do. . . . 

May 

6, 1880, 



Meadow mouse ; 

2 toads; grass- 

Do. ... 

Sept. 19. 1882. 



shrew. 

hopper. 

Toad ; larvae. 

Do. . . . 

Feb. 2, 1884. 



2 shrews. 

Frog; salaman¬ 
der. 

Do. ... 

Feb. 14. 1885, 



Mole. 

Do. . . . 

April 2. 1885. 



Meadow mouse ; 


Portland, Conn. 

East Hartford, Conn.. 

Oct. 18, 1886. 
Oct. 29. 1886, 



shrew. 

Mice. 

Mole. 


Sandy Spring, Md., . . 

Jan. 8, 1887. 



House mouse. 


Do. . . 

do. 



2 house mice; 


Do. . . ! 

Jan. 28. 1887, 



white-foe t ed 
mouse; 1 mead¬ 
ow mouse. 

4 meadow mice. 

1 


































































































APPENDIX. 


355 


Red-Shouldered Hawk— Continued . 




Poultry 




Locality. 

Date. 

or game 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 



birds. 




Sandy Spring. Md.. . . 

Feb. 11. 1887, 



Pine mouse; 

Tree-frog; bee- 





meadow mouse; 
shrew. 

tie; spider. 

Do. . . 

Mar. 8. 1887, 



House mouse. 


Do. . . 

do. 



Mouse 


Do. . . 

do. 



2 meadow mice. 


Do. . . 

Mar. 24, 1887. 


Screech owl, . . . 

Meadow mouse, 


Do. 

Nov. 26, 1887. 




Grasshoppe r s; 





beetles; spi¬ 
der. 


Do. . . 

Dec. 3. 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 

Grasshopper. 

Do. . . 

do. 


. 1 

Pine mouse. 


Do. . . 

Dec. 9. 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. . . 

Dec. 27. 1887, 



4 meadow mice. 


Do. . . 

Jan. 30. 1888, 



1 mole. 


Do. . . 

do. 


Field sparrow. 



Do. . . 

do. 


Carolina dove. . . 

Meadow mouse. 


Chester county, Pa.. . 

Nov. 23. 1886, 



2 meadow mice, 

Grasshopper. 

Do. 

Jan. 20, 1886, 




Insects. 

Do. 

April 3. 1886, 



Opossum, .... 

Crickets; larvae. 

Do. 

Nov. 29. 1886. 



Mouse. 


Do. 

Dec. 1. 1886, 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. 

Dec. 2. 1886. 



do. 


Do. 

Dec. 15, 1886. 



Shrew. 


Do. 

Dec. 16. 1886. 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. 

Jan. 21, 1886, 



5 meadow mice. 


Do. 

Jan. 26. 1887, 



do. 


Do. 

Jan. 28. 1887, 



Mouse. 


Do. 

Jan. —, 1887, 
do. 



do. 


Do. 



do. 


Do. 

Dec. 18, 1886. 



Meadow mouse ; 





rabbit, t 


Do. 

Dec. 20. 1886, 



Meadow mouse. 

Larvae ; offal. 

Do. 

Jan. 18, 1887. 



do. 

Empty. 

Do. 

do. 




Do. 

Jan. . 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. 

Feb. —. 1887, 



3 meadow mice. 


Willistown, Pa. 

Feb. 20. 1881. 



Mice. 


Do. . . . 

Mar. 3. 1881. 



Rabbit. 

Grasshoppers. 

Pennsylvania. 

Dec. 25. 1879. 



Mice. 

Westchester, Pa., . . 

Dec. 9, 1879. 



do. 

do. 

West Pikeland. Pa.. . 

do. 




do. 

Westtown, Pa. 

Feb. 4, 1878. 




do. 

Do. .... 

Feb. 4, 1879. 

. 

. 


do. 






Empty. 

Volusia County. Fla.. . 

Mar. 18. 1886, 




Cattish. 

Saint John’s river, Fla., 

Mar. 14. 1886, 




Insects. 

Milltown, Pa. 

Dec. 29. 1884. 



Mice. 

Insects. 

Thornbury. Pa. 

Jan. 8. 1885. 



do. 

Westtown, Pa., . . . . 

Jan. 10. 1879. 



do. 


Do. .... 

Jan. 28. 1879. 



do. 


Do. .... 

Feb. 20. 1879. 



do. 

Insects. 

Do .... 

Jan. 27, 1879. 



do. 

Do. . . . . 

Feb. 4. 1879, 



do. 


Do. . . - . 

Feb. . 1879. 



do. 


Do. .... 

Feb. —, 1879, 



do. 


Willistown. Pa. 

April 3, 1877, 



do. 

Insects. 

Chester county, Pa.. . 

Nov. 30, 1879. 



Mice. 

Pennsylvania. 

Jun. 5. 1881. 




Barton. N. Y. 

Jan. 1, 1886, 



3 mice. 


Elmira, N. Y. 

Jan. 21. 1886. 

Chicken. 


Field mice. 


Do. .... 

April 5. 1886. 




Do. . . . . 

Big Flats, N. Y. 

Aug. 13. 1887. 
Sept. 5. 1887, 



Skunk. 

Grasshoppers ; 
beetles. 

Corning. N. Y. 

Greensborough. Ala., 

Sept. 23. 1887. 
Feb. 25, 1888. 



Field mice, . . . 
Mouse. 

Insects. 

Lizard; grass¬ 
hopper; cock- 






roach; 3 craw¬ 
fish. 

Sandy Spring. Md.. . . 

Mar. 17, 1888. 



Meadow mouse. 

Spider. 

4 mole crickets; 
20 larvae. 

Gainsville, Fla., . . . 
Do, ... 

Jan. 4. 1888. 
Jan. 18. 1888. 





Summary .—Of 102 stomachs examined. 1 contained poultry ; 5. other birds ; 61. mice; 20 other mam¬ 
mals ; 15. reptiles or batrachians; 40, insects; 7, spiders; 3. crawfish; 1, earthworm; 1, offal ; 1 catfish 


and 3 were empty. 















































































































356 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Swainson’ Hawk ( Buteo swainsoni ). 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals 

Miscellaneous. 

Cedar county. Neb.. . 

Do. 

Dakota county, Neb.. . 
Sarpy county. Neb.. . 

Aug. —, 1867. 
do. 

July —, 1868. 
Sept. —. 1872. 



Gopher. 

do. 

Rabbit. 

Gopher ; mouse, 

68 locusts. 

61 locusts. 

58 insects. 

65 Insects. 


Summary .—Of 4 stomachs examined each one contained small mammals and insects. 


Broad-Winged Hawk ( Buteo latissimus). 


Sing Sing. N. Y. 

Sept. 19. 1885. 



Chipmunk, . . . 

Crickets; grass- 

Middle Haddarn. Conn. 

Sept. 4. 1885. 




hoppers. 

Toad. 

London, Canada. . . . 

Sept. 22. 1883. 




Toad; 1 arge 

Lockport, N. Y. 

April 27. 1886, 



Meadow mouse. 

number larvae 
Snake ; 2 b e e - 

Brooklyn. Ohio. 

May 10. 1886. 



Chipmunk ; 

ties. 

Washington, D. C., . . 
Syracuse, N. Y., ... 

June 5. 1887. 
April 30, 1886, 


3 ovenbirds. . . . 

shrew. 

2 shrews. 

Toad. 

Roane mountain, N.C.. 
Long Island City, N. Y.. 

Aug. 10. 1887. 
Sept. 23. 1887. 



Mouse. 

Garter snake ; 

Do. 

Sept. 24. 1887. 




toad ; larvae ; 
beetles. 

Larvae. 

Do. 

do. 




Quantity of 

Sing Sing, N. Y. 

Sept. 21. 1881. 




crickets. 

8 elm sphinx 

Do 

Sept. 23. 1881. 




larvae. 

Elm sphnix lar- 

Lake George, N. Y.. . 

Aug. 2. 1882, 




vae. 

Garter snake. 

Sing Sing, N. Y. 

May 8. 1885. 




Quantity of 

Troy. N. Y. 

Sept. 19. 1885. 




earth worms. 
Tree-frog; 

Sandy Spring. Md., , . 

May 10. 1887, 



Chipmunk; 

grasshoppers. 

Do. . . 

Sept. 1, 1887, 



shrew. 

Grasshopper. 

Chester county, Pa.. . 

May 28. 1878, 




Frog. 

Elmira, N. Y. 

June 27. 1885. 



Large rat; Held 

Do. .... 

Do. .... 

April 9, 1886, 
July 3. 1887. 

. 

Small bird. . . . 

mouse. 

Weasel. 



Summary.— Of 22 stomachs examined. 2 contained small birds: 3. mice; 5. other mammals; 8 reptiles 
or batrachians; 10, insects, and 1. earth worms. 


Rough-legged Hawk (Arclrilmtco lagopus sancti-johannis). 


Chester county. Pa.. 

Dec. 9. 1886. 



Shrew. 


Northampton, Mass., 

Feb. 23, 1887, 


0 

2 meadow mice. 


Do. 

Feb. 16. 1887, 



7 meadow mice. 

/ 

South Windsor. Conn.. 

Mar. 29. 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 


Portland. Conn. 

Mar. 30, 1887, 



6 meadow mice. 


Northampton. Mass., . 

Nov. 30. 1887, 



5 meadow mice. 


Do. 

Dec. 2. 1887, 



Meadow mouse; 






house mouse. 


Do. 

Dec. 14, 1887, 



6 uieadow mice. 


Do. 

Dec. 20, 1887, 



3 house mice. 


Do. 

Nov. 26, 1886, 



Meadow mice. 


Do. 

Nov. 27. 1886, 



do. 


Do. 

Dec. —, 1886, 



do. 


Chester county, Pa.. . 

Feb. — 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. 

Jan. 28, 1879, 



Mice. 


Do. 

do. 



do. 


Do. 

Dec. 27, 1878. 



do. 


Do. 

April—, 1876, 



do. 


Do. 

Mar. 20, 1880, 



do. 


Beatrice, Nebr. 

Sept. —, 1872, 



Gopher. 

Lizard ; 

Elmira. N. Y. 

Nov. 5. 1887. 



Rabbit. 

sects. 

Do. .... 

Jan. 3. 1888, 



Weasel. 


Sandy Spring, Md.. . . 

Mar. 17. 1888, 



2 meadow mice. 


Northampton. Mass.. . 

April 9, 1888, 


do. 










































































































APPENDIX. 


357 


Rough-Legged Hawk — Continued. 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous 

Northampton, Mass., . 

Do. . . 

Do. 

Do. . . 

Do. . . 

April 14, 1888, 
do. 

April 15, 1888. 
do. 
do. 



8 meadow mice. 

2 meadow mice. 

2 meadow mice. 

3 meadow mice. 

Empty. 


Summary .—Of 28 stomachs examined, 23 contained mice;'4, other mammals; I, lizard; 1, insects; i was 
empty. Seventeen stomachs examined by the division contained 52 mice. 


Golden Eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos). 


Gaithersburgh, Md., 


Dec. 8. 1887 


Carrion. 


Summary .—The stomach examined contained carrion. 


Bald Eagle (Haliceetus leucocephalus). 


Sandy Spring, Md.. . . 

Jan. 28. 

1887. 




Carrion. 

Oneida Jjake, N. V.. . 

Aug. 30, 

1886, 




Sunflsh. 

Do. 

do. 





Kish. 

Sing Sing, N. Y. 

Feb. 27. 

1881. 




Goldfish. 

Paint Rock, Tex. 

Jan. 28, 

1887. 



2 prune dogs. 


Gainesville, Fla. 

Jan. 13. 

1888, 



Fish and offal. 


Summary .—Of 6 stomachs examined, 1 contained mammals; 2. carrion; 4, fish. 


Prairie Falcon { Falco mexicanu. s). 


Sarpy county. Neb., 


Sept. —, 1874 


Prairie hen, 


16 locusts. 


Summary .—The 1 stomach examined contained a gamebird and insects. 


Duck Hawk {Falco peregrinus anatum). 


Portland. Conn. 

East Bradford, Pa., . 
Do. 

Watkins, N. Y. 

April 29. 1886. 
Feb. 14, 1886, 
Mar. 27. 1880. 
Oct. 28. 1887. 

Duck. . 

Fowl. 

Feathers. 

Meadow lark. 

2 mice. 

Beetles. 

Elmira, N, Y. 

Dec. 3, 1887. 





Summary .—Of 5 stomachs examined, 2 contained poultry and remains of game bird; 2, remains of 
other birds; 1, mice; 1, insects. 


Pigeon Hawk {Falco columbarius). 


Shelter Island, N. Y.. 

Portland, Conn. 

Lockport. N. Y. 

Rockville. Conn., . , . 

Sept. 11, 1886. 
May 6. 1886. 
May 14. 1886. 
Sept. 20. 1886. 


Small bird. 

Swift. 

Song sparrow* 


Long Island City. N. Y., 
Savville. N. Y., . . . , 

Mav 3. 1886. 
Sept. 14. 1887. 


English sparrow. 


East Hartford. Conn., 

Sing Sing, N. Y. 

East Hartford. Conn.. 
West Chester, Pa.. . . 

Barton, N. Y. 

Do. .... 

Do. .... 

Sept. 10. 1887. 
May 3. 1880. 
Sept. 24. 1886. 
Feb. 20. 1878, 
Aug. 2, 1886, 
do. 

Aug. 3. 1886, 


Small bird. 
Feathers. 

Indigo bird. 
Feathers. 

Flicker. 

Field mice, . . . 
do. . . . 


25 crickets ; 6 
grasshoppers. 

Dragon flies; 
other insects. 


Insects 

do. 



















































































































358 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Pigeon Hawk— Continued . 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Elmira, N. Y. 

Do. .... 

Do .... 

Horseheads, N. Y.. . . 
Elmira, N. Y., .... 

Gainesville, Fla. 

June 4, 1886, 
do. 

July 3, 1885, 

Aug. 14, 1885, 
Aug. 29, 1885, 

Jan. 4. 1888, 


English sparrow, 
do. 

Field sparrow ; 
warbler. 


Grasshoppers ; 

small beetles. 
Small insects. 
Grasshoppers ; 
beetles. 


Summary .—Of 19 stomachs examined, 12 contained small birds; 2, mice; 7, insects. 


Sparrow Hawk ( Falco sparverius). 


Locust Grove. N. Y., . 

Aug. 18, 1885, 

Sing Sing. N. Y. 

Sept. 22. 1885. 

Washington, D. C., . . 

Nov. 3. 1885, 

Alfred Centre, N. Y.. 

Sept. 4, 1885, 

Yolusia county, Fla., . 

Mar. 1. 1885, 

Do. 

April 4. 1885. 

Petersborough, N. Y., 

July 13. 1886, 

Do. 

July 24, 1886. 

Do. 

July 24. 1886, 

Chester county, Pa., . 

July 28, 1886, 

Do. 

do. 

Do. 

Feb. 24, 1886, 

East Windsor Hill, Ct.. 

Feb. 4. 1886. 

Maplewood, N. J., . . 

Jan 16. 1886. 

Do. . . 

May 25. 1886. 

Lockport. N. Y. 

Aug. 31, 1886, 

Avon. Ohio,. 

July 5. 1886, 

Baddeck, Nova Scotia, 

Aug. 13.1886. 

Gainesville, Fla. 

April 20,1887, 

Harwood, Dak. 

July 13. 1887, 

Long Island C ity, ,N. Y., 

Sept. 16, 1887, 

East Hartford. Conn.. 

Sept. 9. 1887. 

Portland, Conn. 

April 12, 1887. 

Devil’s Lake, Dak., . . 

Aug. 13, 1887. 

Bottineau. Dak. 

Aug. 27, 1887, 

Washington. D. C., . . 

Dec. 24, 1887. 

Do. . . 

do. 

Do. . . 

Dec. 25, 1887. 

Do. . . 

Dec. 27. 1887, 

Sing Sing. N. Y. 

ApriLlO, 1880, 

Do- ... 

Jan. 29, 1883, 

Do. ... 

Jan. 14, 1885, 

East Hartford, Conn., 

Sept. 18, 1886. 

Do. 

July 16. 1886, 

Do. 

Oct. 13, 1886, 

Sandy Spring. Md., . . 

Jan. 28. 1887, 

Do. . . 

Mar. 2, 1887, 

Do. . . 

do. 

Do. . . 

do. 

Do. . . 

do. 

Do. . . 

do. 

Do. . . 

do. 

Do 

do. 

Do. 

Mar. 8. 1887. 

Do. 

Mar. 12. 1887, 


Sparrow 


Song sparrow. 
Vireo. 


English sparrow, 


Song sparrow. 
Sparrow, . . . 


Song sparrow. 


Song sparrow 


i 


Hair of mice. 


Mouse. 


Meadow mouse. 


House mouse. . 


House mouse. . 


Meadow mouse, 
do. 


Meadow mouse,. 
do. 

House mouse, . 
Mouse hair. 
House mouse, . 

Meadow mouse,. 

Wh ite-f o o ted 
mouse; house 
mouse. 


Spider ; grass 
hoppers. 

Insect remains. 

Grasshoppers ; 
crickets. 

Larvae. 

Lizard. 

2 lizards;insect 
remains. 

Grasshoppers ; 
crickets. 

Crickets. 

Grasshopper 
and crickets. 

Grasshoppers 
and crickets. 

Larvae. 

Empty. 


30 crickets. 

Remains of in¬ 
sects. 

Grasshoppers. 

Lizard; beetle: 
larvae. 

Grasshoppers 
and crickets. 

Grasshoppers 
and crickets. 

Remains of in¬ 
sects. 

Snake; grass 
hoppers;crick- 
ets; larvae. 

Cricket. 

Grasshoppers; 

beetles. 

Grasshoppers. 

6 grasshoppers. 

Grasshoppers. 

do. 


do. 

do. 

Grasshopper. 

Remains of in 
sects. 

Remains of in 
sects. 


Remains of in¬ 
sects. 

15 crickets. 

Grasshoppers; 
crickets; cat¬ 
erpillars; bee¬ 
tles. 






































































































APPENDIX. 


359 


SpaRro w IIa w k— Continued. 


Locality . 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Sandy Spring, Md.. . . 

Mar. 18. 1887, 


Vesper sparrow, . 


Larva. 

Do. , . 

do. 


Meadow mouse, . 

Cricket; beetles 

Do. . . 

Mar. 24. 1887. 



House mouse, . 

Cricket; larva?. 

Do. . . 

do. 




Empty. 

Do. . . 

April 1. 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 

Do. . . 

April 8. 1887, 




do. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Meadow mouse, . 

Crickets; bee- 

Do. . . 

April 28. 1887. 



Mouse. 

ties; spider. 
Spider. 

Do. . . 

May 13. 1887. 



Meadow mouse, . 

Grasshoppers; 

Do. . . 

June 23, 1887, 




white grubs. 
Grasshoppers 

Do. . . 

Sept. 26. 1887, 




and crickets. 
Grasshoppers; 

Do. . . 

Oct. 28. 1887, 




spider. 

Grasshoppers; 

Do. , . 

Jan. 2, 1888. 



Shrew. 

crickets; spi¬ 
der. 

Grasshopper. 

Do. . . 

Feb. 22, 1888. 



Meadow mouse. 

Do. . . 

Nov. 26, 1887. 




Grasshoppers, 

Chester county. Pa., . . 

April 3, 1886. 



Meadow mouse, . 

etc. 

Caterpillars. 

Do. . . 

Dec. 29. 1886, 



Mouse. 

Do. . . 

Dec. 28. 1886. 



Meadow mouse. . 

Crickets; grass- 

Do. . . 

Do. . . 

Dec. 29. 1886. 
Jan. 17, 1886, 

. 

Sparrow. 

Song sparrow, . . 

White-footed 

hoppers. 

Do. . . 

Feb. 8. 1886. 


Tree sparrow, . . 

mouse. 

White-footed 


Do. 

Dec. 1, 1886, 



mouse. 

Meadow mouse. 

Grasshoppers; 

Do. . . 

Dec. 3, 1886. 




cricket; larva? 
Beetle. 

Do. . . 

Do. . . 

Dec. 9. 1886. 
do. 

. 

Junco. 

Feathers. 

Meadow mouse; 


Do. . . 

Do. . . 

Dec. 16, 1886. 
Nov. 26, 1886, 


do. 

2 shrews. 

Meadow mouse, . 

Crickets. 

Do. . . 

Feb. 7, 1887, 



do. 

Crickets; cater- 

Do. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 12, 1887. 
Mar. 10. 1886. 


Tree sparrow. 


pillars; spider 

Empty. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 6. 1885, 




Caterpillars; 

Do. . . 

Mar. 15, 1886, 




spider. 

Empty. 

Do. . . 




Meadow mouse. . 

Grasshoppers; 

Do. . . 

Jan. —. 1887, 



do. 

larvae. 

Do. . . 

do. 




8 larvae; spider. 

Do. . . 

Dec. 20. 1886, 



Meadow mouse, . 

Larva. 

Do. . . 

Do. . . 

Jan. 10. 1887, 
Feb. 9. 1886. 

. 

Song sparrow. 


Grasshoppers; 

Do. . . 





beetles; larvae 
Remains of in- 

Do. . . 




Meadow mouse. 

sects. 

Do. . . 

Jan. —, 1887, 



House mouse, . 

Grasshoppers; 

Do. . . 



Meadow mouse, . 

10 larvae. 
Grasshopper; 

Do. . . 

Jan. 25, 1887. 



House mouse, . 

larvae; beetle. 
Crickets; larvae. 

Do. . . 

do. 



Meadow mouse, . 

5 grasshoppers; 

Do. . . 

do. 



do. 

5 larvae; spi¬ 
der. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 27, 1887, 


Tree sparrow, . . 

do. 


Do. . . 

Jan. —. 1887, 



do. 


Do. . . 

Feb. 1, 1887. 



W h ite-f ooted 

Caterpillar; 
crickets; spi¬ 
der. 

Do. . . 

Do. . . 

do. 

do. 



mouse. 

2 meadow mice. , 

6 caterpillars; 6 

Do. . . 

Nov. 29, 1886, 




grasshoppers; 

spider. 

Insects. 

Do. . . 

July 3. 1886. 


Meadow lark. 
Junco. 


do. 

Do. . . 

Do. . . 

Dec. 30, 1879, 
Dec. 16. 1879. 


Mice. 

do. 

Drayton Island, Fla., . 

Feb. 20, 1885, 


Feather,. 


Goshen, Pa. 

Jan. 12, 1881, 



do. 

Westchester. Pa.. . . 

Oct. 27. 1880. 


Meadow lark. . . 


Chestercounty Pa., . . 

Dec. 23, 1880, 


Mice. 

do. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 12, 1881, 




Do. . . 

Do. . . 

Jan. 17, 1881, 
Sept. 24. 1880. 



do. 

Grasshopper. 




























































































360 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Sparrow Hawk— Continued. 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Chester county, Pa.. . . 

Feb. 16, 1880, 



Mice. 


Delaware county, Pa., 

.Jan. 30. 1880, 



do. 


Chestercounty, Pa., . . 

Jan. 14. 1881. 



do. 

Insects. 

East Bradford. Pa.. . . 

Jan. 1. 1880, 




Chestercounty, Pa., . . 

Nov. 20. 1879, 



Mice. 

do. 

Do. . . 

Aug. 25, 1876, 




Do. . . 

July —. 1870. 



Bat. 


Do. . . 

Jan. 16, 1879. 


Junco,. 

Mice. 

8 locusts; 27 
other insects. 

Dixon county. Neb., . 

July -, 1865, 



Mouse. 

Dakota, county, Neb.. . 

do. 



Gopher. 

38 insects. 

DO. . . 

June —, 1866, 

Quail, . 



29 insects. 

Do. . . 

July —. 1866, 



34 insects. 

Do. . . 

Aug. —, 1867, 



Rabbit. 

22 insects. 

Cedar county, Neb.. . . 

do. 



Mice. 

47 locusts. 

Pierce county. Neb.. . 

July —, 1869, 



Gopher. 

40 insects. 

Sarpy county. Neb.. . . 

Sept.—, 1871. 



Mice,. 

37 insects. 

Do. . . 

June—, 1872, 


Birds. 


43 insects. 

Lancaster county. Neb.. 

Sept. , 1873. 




40 insects; frogs 

Hale county, Ala., . . 

Mar. 17, 1888. 




Grasshoppers; 

crickets. 

Gainesville, Fla. 

Jan. 4. 1888. 




Remains of in¬ 
sects. 

Do. . . 

Los Gatos, Cal. 

Jan. 9, 1888, 

Dec. 7, 1887, 


Sparrow. 


Larvae and 
other insects. 

Do. .... 

Do. .... 

Do. .... 

Dec. —, 1887, 
Jan. 19. 1885. 
Dec. 31. 1887. 

. 

Warbler. 
Meadow lark ; 
sparrow. 


Crickets. 

Sandy Spring, Md., . . 

Apr. 2, 1888. 


Field sparrow. 


White grub ; 
beetles! spider 

Chester county. Pa., . 

Feb. 7, 1887. 




Caterpillar. 


Summary .—Of the 133 stomachs examined. 1 contained game bird; 28. other birds; 55, mice; 8, other 
mammals; 5. reptiles or batrachians; 83, insects; 12. spiders, and 5 were empty. 


Barn Owl (Strix pratincola). 


Chickemauga, Tenn., . 

Nov. 27. 1885, 


Cowbird ; spar¬ 
row. 



Chestercounty, Pa,, . 
Do. 

May 21, 1886, 
Dec. 8, 1886, 

Pigeon. 


Meadow mice. 


Dixon county, Neb., . 

Aug. —, 1867, 



Mouse. 

39 locusts; 22 

other insects. 

Dakota county. Neb.. . 

July —. 1868. 




55 insects. 

Lancaster county, Neb. 

June —, 1872, 



Mouse. 

40 insects. 

Gainesville. Fla., . . . 

Feb. 4. 1887, 


. 

2 cotton rats; 2 
shrews. 



Summary.— Of 7 stomachs examined. 1 contained poultry; 1, other birds: 4, mice; 1, other mammals; 
3, insects. 


Long-eared Owl ( Asio wilsonicinus). 


Coliuila Valley, Cal., . 

Apr. 

1, 

1886, 



2 pocket mice. 


Washington, D. C., . . 

Mar. 

27. 

1887. 


Song Sparrow, . . 

Meadow mouse. 


Sheepshead Bay, L. 1., 
N. Y. 

Nov. 

2, 

1886. 


Junco; kinglet, . 

do. 


Washington, D. C., . . 

Mar. 

16, 

1887, 




Empty. 

Sandy Spring. Md., . . 

Mar. 

8, 

1887, 

1887, 




do.' 

Do. '. . 

Mar. 

12, 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. . 

Mar. 

18. 

1887. 




do. 

Do. . . 

Nov. 

19, 

1887. 




do. 

Do. . . 

Jan. 

7, 

1888. 



2 meadow mice, 

Chestercounty, Pa., . 

Jan. 

11, 

1887. 



Meadow mouse; 

3 house mice. 


Do. 

Nov. 

20, 

1886. 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. 

i)ec. 

11. 

1886. 



do. 


Do. 

Do. 

Jan. 

28, 

do. 

1887, 



2 meadow mice. 
White-footed 
mouse; mead¬ 
ow mouse. 


Do. 






Meadow mouse. 





































































































APPENDIX. 


361 


Long-eared Owl— Continued. 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 

or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Chester county. Pa.. . 

Dec. 13, 1886. 



White -footed 






mouse; 2 






meadow mice; 






shrew. 


Woodstock. Conn.. . . 

June —. 1887. 



4 meadow mice. 


Boston. Mass. 

Oct. 13. 1S87. 

. • * . , 

Sparrow ; war- 

Meadow mouse. 





bier. 



Montgomery co.. Pa., 

Dec. 26. 1887, 



do. 


Sing Sing, N. Y. 

Apr. 29. 1880. 


Goldfinch; 2 spar- 

Mouse. 





rows. 



Do. ... 

do. 

. . . 


2 mice. 


Do. . . . 

do. 


Small bird, . . . 

do. 


Chester county. Pa., . 

Nov. 25. 1886, 



Mice. 


Do. 

Nov. 10. 1878, 



do. 


Do. 

Dec. 30. 1884. 



do. 


Westtown. Pa. 

Feb. 23. 1879 



do. 


Do. .... 

do. 



do. 


Do. .... 

do. 



do. 


Chester countv. Pa., . 

do. 



do. 


Do. 

do. 



do. 


Do. 

do. 



do. 


Do. 

do. 



do. 


Do. 

Nov. 22. 1880. 



do. 


Do. 

Dec. 5, 1879, 



do. 


Do. 

Feb. 25, 1880. 



do. 


Do. 

do. 



do. 


Do. 

do. 



do. 


Do. 

do. 



do. 


Do.' 

do. 



do. 


Dakota county. Neb., . 

July —. 1865. 



Rabbit. 

Few Insects. 

Elmira. N. Y. 

Aug. 5. 1885. 



Field mice. 


Do. .... 

Aug. 12. 1885, 



do. 


Do. .... 

Oct. 13. 1886. 



do. 


Do. .... 

do. 



do. 


Nichols. N. Y. 





Emptv. 

Tioga. Pa. 

Sept. 2. 1887. 



Field mice. 


Elmira. N. Y. 

Dec. 21. 1887. 

Quail. 





Summary .—Of 47 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird; 5. other birds; 40. mice; 2. other ani¬ 
mals; 1, insects, and 5 were empty. 


Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus ). 


Washington. D, C., . . 

Nov. 22, 1886. 


2 juncos; 1 fox 






sparrow. 



Oakdale. N. Y. 

Nov. 27. 1886, 



Mouse. 


Rockville. Conn., . . . 

Oct. 22. 1886. 



2 meadow mice. 


Do. ... 

do. 



Mouse hair. 


Koshkonong, Wis.. . . 

Sept. 25. 1886. 



Meadow mouse. 


Washington, I). C., . . 

Apr. 20, 1887. 



3 meadow mice. 


Hillsborough, New 

Sept. 3. 1887, 



2 meadow mice. 


Brunswick. 






Washington. D. C., . . 

Jan. —. 1887, 



1 meadow mouse. 


Do. . . 

Mar. 28. 1887. 


Robin. 




Mar. 31, 1887, 



2 meadow mice; 






1 shrew. 


South Windsor, Conn., 

Mar. 29. 1887. 


Sparrow. 

2 meadow mice. 


Do. . . 

do. 



do. 


Do. . . 

Nov. 4. 1887, 



do. 


Do. . . 

do. 



5 meadow mice. 


Do. . . 

do. 



4 meadow mice. 


Washington. D. C.. . . 

Jan. 23, 1888. 



1 meadow mouse. 


Glastonbury. Conn., . 

Nov. 23, 1886, 




Empty. 

Do. 

do. 




do. 

East Hartford. Conn., 

Nov. 11 1886. 



4 meadow mice. 


Do. 

Nov. 2. 1886. 



3 meadow mice. 


Sandy Springs, Md.. . 

Jan. 28. 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. 

Mar. 5, 1887. 



Mouse. 


Do. 

do. 




do. 

Do. 

do. 




do. 

Do. 

do. 



Mouse. 


Do. 

Jan. 7. 1888. 



2 meadow mice. 


Do. 

Feb. 13. 1888. 




do. 

Chester county. Pa,, . 

Jan. 25, 1887. 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. 

Dec. 21, 1886, 



do. 


Do. 

Dec. 10. 1886. 



Pine mouse. 


Do. 

Nov. 20. 1886. 



3 meadow mice. 


Do. 

Nov. 25. 1886, 



1 meadow mouse. 


Do. 

Nov. 27. 1886. 


E'eathers. 



Do. 

Dec. 8, 1886. 



Meadow mouse. 


Do. 





do. 

Do. 




Mice. 1 
























































































































3G2 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Short-bared Owl— Continued. 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Chester county, Pa.. . 

Jan. 4, 1880. 



Mice. 


Do. 

Jan. 5, 1880, 



do. 


Dakota county. Neb., . 

July —, 1870, 



Rabbit. 

17 insects. 

Lincoln, Neb., .... 

Sept. —. 1868, 



Gopher. 

30 locusts. 

Elmira. N. Y. 

Aug. 13 1884, 



Field mice. . . . 

Beetle. 

Do. .... 

Aug. 3. 1886, 



do. . . . 

do. 

Do. .... 

Aug. 7. 1886, 



do. . . . 

do. 

Erin, N. Y. 

Oct. 5. 1887. 



do. . . . 

do. 

Do. 

Dec. 29, 1887, 



do. . . . 

do. 


Summary.— Of 45 stomachs examined, 4 contained small birds; 34, mice; 3, other mammals, 7, insects, 
and 6 were empty. 


Barred Owl ( Syrnium nebulosum). 


Englewood, N. J.. . . 

Feb. 22. 1886, 



Meadow mouse. 


Alfred Centre, N. Y., 

Oct. 22. 1886. 



Red squirrel. 


Whitewater, Wis.. . . 

Aug. 30. 1886, 



Empty. 

Washington, D. C., . . 

Feb. 15. 1887. 




do. 

Do. . . 

Mar. 16, 1887, 



Shrew. 

Frog; 8 larvae. 

Greensborough, Ala., . 

Nov. 15, 1887, 



Spider; grass- 

Moose River, N. Y.. . 

June 10. 1878, 



12 red-backed 

hoppers: 

crickets. 

Sing Sing. N. Y. 

Do. . . . 

Nov 27. 1882. 
Jan. 21, 1885. 

Fowl. 


mice. 

2 meadow mice. 


Do. ... 

Saint Louis. Mo. 

Eubanks. Ky., .... 

Mar. 21, 1885. 
Spring. 1885, 
Mar. 21. 1887. 


Saw-whet owl. 
Screech owl. 

Meadow mice; 


Greensborough. Ala., 

Nov. 12, 1887, 



rabbit. 

Empty. 

Sand Spring. Md., . . 

Apr. 25, 1887, 




Crawfish. 

Do. . . 

Nov. 14. 1887, 



4 meadow mice. 


Do. . . 

Do. . . 

Nov. 28. 1887, 
Feb. 11. 1888, 


Screech owl. 


Empty. 

Do. . . 

Feb. 18, 1888. 



Meadow mice. 

Do. . . 

Feb. 19. 1888. 



Rabbit. 


Chester county, Pa., . 

Dec. 10. 1886. 

... 

. 

Flying squirrel. 


Do. 

Dec. 16. 1886. 



Rabbit. 


Do. 




Mice. 


Do. 

Jan. —, 1880, 
Jan. 17 1881. 
Aug. 1. 1885, 



do. 


Elmira, N. Y. 



do. 

Frog; crawfish. 

Do. .... 

Aug. 7, 1886, 



Several mice. 

Waverly, N. Y. 

Sept. 4. 1887, 



Mice. 

Insects. 

Barton. N. Y. 

Oct. 17. 1886. 



Field mice. 

Halsey Valley, N. Y.. 

Oct. 5, 1887, 
Nov. 4. 1884. 



Fish; insects. 

Elmira. N. Y., .... 

. . 


Mice. 

Tyrone, N. Y. 

Nov. 13. 1887. 




Empty. 

Elmira, N. Y . 

Dec. 1, 1886, 



Weasel. 

Caton, N. Y. 

Jan. 1. 1885. 



Mice. 


Tioga. N. Y... 

Feb. 9, 1886, 


J 

Field mouse; 


Elmira, N. Y. 

Do. .... 

Feb. 19. 1887. 
Mar. 3. 1886, 


Small birds. 

mole. 

Field mice. 


Alexandria, Va. 

Apr. 17, 1888, 



do. 


Summary .—Of 37 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry; 4. other birds; 16, mice; 8, other mammals: 
2, frogs; 4, insects; 1, spider; 2, crawfish; 1. fish, and 6 were empty. 


Florida Barred Owl ( Syrnium nebulosum alleni). 


Gainesville, Fla., . . . 

Apr. 20. 1887. 

(• 



Frog; crawfish; 
grasshoppers ; 

Do. ... 

May 9. 1887. 




larvae; beetle. 
Lizard. 

Do. . . . 

Dec. 29. 1887, 



Mouse. 

Do. ... 

Feb. 19. 1888. 



do. 



Summary. Of 4 stomachs examined, 2 contained mice; 2. batrachian ar.d reptile; 1. insects; 1. craw 
fish. 











































































































APPENDIX. 


363 


Saw-Whet Owl ( Nyctala acadica). 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Taunton. Mass. 

East Hartford, Conn.. 

Hillsborough. N. B.. . 

Flatbush, N. Y. 

Locust Grove. N. Y.. . 
Sing Sing, N. Y. 

Dec. 11, 1885. 
Jan. 7. 1887, 

Oct. 21. 1886, 
Nov. 3. 1887, 
Jan. 24. 1884, 
Jan. 13, 1885, 



Mouse hair. 
White-f o o te d 
mouse. 

Mouse hair. 
House mouse. 
Meadow mouse, 
do. 



Summary . —Of 6 stomachs examined, all contained mice. 


Screech Owl ( Megascops asio). 


Sing Sing. N. Y. . . 
Atlanticville, N. Y. 
Sing Sing, N. Y., . 
Washington, D. C., 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

River Vale. N. J., . 
Bergen county, N. J 
Alfred Centre, N. Y 


i Peterborough. N. Y.. 
j Amherst. Mass., . . 

Cleveland. Ohio. . . 

I East Hartford. Conn. 
Gainesville, Fla., . . 


Aug. 31. 1885, 
Dec. 4. 1885, 
Sept. 25, 1886, 
Nov. —. 1886. 
do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Nov. 20. 1885. 
Nov. 26, 1885. 
Oct. 10. 1886, 


! Washington, D. C., 


Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Rockville Conn.. . 
Do. 

Portland, Conn.. . 
Do. 

Loekport, N. Y.. . 
Portland. Conn., . 
Washington, D. C.. 
East Hartford, Conn 


1 Philadelphia. Pa.. 

Greensborough. Ala 
I Sandy Spring, Md., 
Do. 

! Chester county, Pa. 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

DO. 

Do. 


Sept. 11. 1886, 
.luly 8. 1886. 
Mar. 12. 1886. 
June 23. 1886, 
Mar. 12, 1887. 


Jan. —. 1887, 


do. 
do. 
do. 
Feb. 15, 
May 28. 

do. 
Oct. 22. 
Dec. 23, 
Jan. 7. 
May 5. 
Feb. 13. 
July 16, 


1887, 

1887. 


1886, 

1886, 

1888. 

1887, 

1887, 

1886, 


Apr. 20. 1886, 


Mar. 2, 
do. 
Jan. 11. 
Jan. 5. 
Apr. 22. 
Jan. 7, 
Jan. 8, 
Nov. 10. 


1887, 


1886. 

1886, 

1886. 

1887. 

1887. 

1887, 

1876. 


Nov. 27. 1887. 
do. 

Dec. 6, 1886, 
Dec 10. 1886. 
do. 

Feb. 12. 1887. 


Feb. 9. 1887, 
Feb. 18, 1887. 
Jan. 15. 1887, 
Jan. 17. 1887, 
Dec. 27. 1886. 
Jan. 11, 1887, 
Feb. 9. 1887, 
Feb. 10. 1887. 


Pigeon 


Tree sparrow. 
Feathers. 


Sparrow, 


Mouse hair. 


Meadow mouse. 
2 white-footed 
mice. 


Mouse hair, 


Mouse hair. 


3 small birds, 


Screech owl. 
do. 


2 English spar¬ 
rows. 


Feathers, 

Feathers. 


House mouse. 
White-footed 
mouse. 

do. 


Meadow mouse. 


White-f o o t e d 
mouse; meadow 
mouse. 

2 meadow mice. 


Mouse. 


2 pine mice. 


2 mice. 

Mouse hair. 
House mouse. 


House mouse. 
Meadow mouse. 
Meadow mouse; 

house mouse. 
White-f o o t e d 
mouse. 


Meadow mouse. 


House mouse, 
do. 
do. 
do. 

Mouse hair. 
House mouse. 


Remains. 

do. 


do. 


do. 

do. 

do. 


do. 


do. 

Larvae. 

Grasshopper; 
crickets; 
crawfish. 
Grasshoppers. 
Frog; remains. 

7 beetles. 
Grasshoppers; 
larvae of bee¬ 
tles. 


Empty. 

Beetle. 

Spider. 

Crawfish. 

7 May beetles. 


May beetles. 
2 cicadae. 
Insects. 


Beetle. 


Empty. 

Beetles. 

Empty. 

Indeterminate 

matter. 


Trace. 

Empty. 













































































































364 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Screech Owe — Continued. 


EOCALITY. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

1 

Miscellaneous. 

Chester county. Pa., . 

Jan. 17. 1887, 



Mouse hair. 

Empty. 

Do. 

Feb. 11. 1887, 




Do. 

June 7. 1884, 




Insects. 

Do. 

Jan. 8, 1885. 




do. 

Do. 

Jan. 6, 1885, 




do. 

Do. . 

Dee. 18, 1886, 


English sparrow. 

Mice. 


Do. 

Nov. 17. 1880. 


* 

* 


Do. 

Nov. 20, 188(1, 



Mice. 


Do. 

Aug. 20. 1870, 




Grasshoppers. 

Delaware county. Pa.. 

Dec. 5. 1879. 



Mice. 

47 locusts ; 12 

Cedar county. Neb.. . 

Sept. . 180.7. 




Do. 

Do. 

do. 

June —. 1808, 




other insects. 
32 locusts; 3 
other insects. 

41 locusts; 22 

Dakota county. Neb.. 

July . 1809. 



Mouse. 

other insects. 
69 insects. 

Do. 

Aug. , 1870. 



do. 

38 Insects. 

Seward county. Neb.. 

Sept. . 1872, 




67 insects. 

Nemaha county. Neb., 

Sept. —, 1874. 




50 locusts ; It! 

Lancaster co., Neb,. 

June — . 1875, 




other insects. 
49 locusts ; 15 

Elmira. N. Y. 

Jan 29. 1880, 


English sparrow'. 

Mice. 

other Insects. 

Do. .... 

Jan. 30, 1880, 


Feathers. 

do. 


Horseheads, N. Y., . . 

Feb. 4, 1880. 


English sparrow. 



Chemung, N, Y. 

Mar. 7. 1880, 



Field mice. 


Elmira. N. Y. 

Mar. 21, 1880, 



Mice (?) 


Barton, N. Y., .... 

Waverly, N. Y. 

Apr. 13, 1887. 
Apr. 15, 1880, 


Junco. 


Insects. 

Tioga, Pa. 

Oct. 5, 1880. 



Mice. 


Wellsborough, Pa.. . . 

Elmira, N. Y. 

Do. .... 

Oct. 8. 1887. 
Oct. 21, 1880, 
Oct. 23. 1880. 


English sparrow. 
Shore lark. 

Mice. 


Do. .... 

Wellsburgh, N. Y.. . . 

Oct. 25. 1887, 
Nov 2, 1880, 


English sparrow. 


Empty. 

Canton, N. Y. 

Washington, D. C., . . 

Dec. 24, 1887. 
Mar. 25, 1888. 


English sparrow. 

Meadow mouse. 

Crawfish. 

Do. . . 

West Chester, Pa., . . 

do. 

Jan. 6, 1887. 



House mouse. 

Empty. 


Summary .—Of 94 stomachs examined. 1 contained poultry; 20, other birds; 41, mice; 1. other mammal; 
1, frog ; 35, insects ; 3, crawfish ; 1. spider ; 1 indeterminate matter, and 7 were empty 


Great-Horned Owe (Bubo virginianus). 


Chattanooga. Tenn.. . 

Dec. 25, 

1885, 

Quail. . 




New London, Wis., . . 

Oct. 25. 

1886, 



Fox squirrel. 


Chester county, Pa., . 

May 11, 

1886. 

Guinea 





fowl. 




Adairsville, Ga. 

May 20. 1886, 




Beetle. 

Lockport, N. Y. 

Jan. 2. 

1887. 

Fowl. 




Do. . . . 



do. 




East Hartford. Conn.. 

June 16, 

1887, 

1883, 

do. 


Rabbit. 


Sing Sing, N. Y., ... 

Jan. 19, 

Guinea 






fowl. 




Do. . . . 

July 9, 

1884. 

Fowl, . 

Robin. 



Do. . . . 

Nov. 12, 

1884, 



Shrew. 


Do. . . . 

Feb. 26. 

1885, 



Rabbit. 


Paint Rock. Texas, . . 

Apr. 23, 

1887. 


Cooper’s hawk ; 







1 a r k-fi nch; 
mockingbird. 



Sandy Spring, Md.. . . 

Mar. 12. 

1887, 

Pigeon, 


Meadow mouse. 


Chester county, Pa., . 

Feb. 15, 

1886, 



Rabbit. 


Do. 

Sept. —. 

1878. 

* 




Dakota county, Neb., 

July —, 

1869. 



Gopher. 

30 insects. 

Elmira N. Y. 

Oct. 4. 

1885. 



Skunk. 


Do. . 

Oct. 7, 

1886, 

Ruffed 

grouse. 




Corning, N Y. 

Aug. 15, 

1884. 



Gray squirrel. 


Tyrone, N. y. 

Sept, 4, 

1886, 

Poultry. 



Elmira, N. Y. 

Nov. 5, 

1885, 

do. 




Breesport, N. Y . 

Nov. 2, 

1886. 



Rabbit. 


Canton, Pa. 

Dec. 13, 

1884. 



Skunk. 


Tioga. Pa.,. 

Dec. 15, 

1884, 



Weasel (?) 


Gaines, Pa... 

Dec. 29, 

1885, 

Ruffed 

grouse. 






























































































APPENDIX. 


365 


Great Horned Owl— Continued. 


Locality. 

Date. 

Poultry 
or game 
birds. 

• 

Other birds. 

Mammals. 

Miscellaneous. 

Elmira. N Y. 

Do. .... 

Big Flats. N. Y. 

Erin. N. V . 

Sandy Spring, Md.. . . 

Jan. 3. 1884. 
Jan. 5. 1885. 
Jan. 17. 188(5. 
Jan. 29. 1887. 

Apr. 7. 1888, 

Poultry. 

Poultry. 

Ruffed 

grouse. 


Rabbit. 

Empty. 


Summary .—Of .'JO stomachs examined. Hi contained poultry or game birds ; 2, other birds ; 1. mice: 12, 
other mammals ; 2. insects, and 1 was empty. 


Snowy Owl ( Nyctea nyctea). 


Washington. D. C.. . . 

Nov. 11. 1885. 




Empty. 

Portland, Conn. 

Nov. 20. 1885, 




do. 

Keokuk, Iowa. 

Dec. 6, 1886, 

Prairie 

hen. 


Meadow mouse. 


Lockport. N. Y. 

Nov. 17. 1886. 




do. 

Do. . . . 

do. 




do. 

Chester county. Pa.. . 

Dec. 14. 1886. 



House rat. 



Summary .—Of 6 stomachs examined, 1 contained game bird ; 2, mice, and 4 were empty. 


Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula caparoch). 


Quebec, Canada. . . . 

Jan. 15, 1886. 



Meadow mouse. 


Summary .—The 1 stomach examined contained a mouse. 


Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypoycea). 


Fort Buford. Dak.. . . 

Sept. 29. 1887. 




Grasshoppers. 

Wayne county, Neb.. 
Do. 

June —, 1868, 
do. 




62 insects. 
Lizard ; 30 in¬ 
sects. 

Pierce county. Neb.. . 

do. 




49 locusts: 17 

other insects. 

Do. 

do. 



Prairie dog. . . 

46 locusts ; 10 

Other insects. 

Do. 

do. 




54 locusts ; 8 

other insects. 

Wayne county. Neb.. 

July . 1869, 



Mouse. 

65 insects. 

Sydney. Cheyenne 
county. Neb. 

June —, 1875, 



Mouse. 

other insects. 

Ogalalla, Keith county. 
Neb. 

Sept. —. 1876, 



51 locusts; 12 

other insects. 

Ogalalla. Keith county, 
Neb. 

do. 




other insects. 


Summary .—Of ten stomachs examined, 2 contained mice : 1. other mammal ; 10. insects. 













































































366 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Summary of Stomachs Examined. 

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) . 5 

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) . 2 

Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonsius) . 46 

Sharped-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox) . 48 

Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperi) . 46 

Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus) . 6 

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis), . 811 

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) .^ 

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), . 4 

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo latissimus) ... 22 

Rough-legged Hawk (Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis) . 28 

Golden Eagle (Aquilla chrysaetos) . 1 

Bald Eagle (Haliceetus leucocephalus), . . . 6 

Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) . 1 

Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus anatum), . 5 

Pigeon Hawk (Falco columbarius) . 19 

Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius) . 133 


Total number of hawks... 785 


Barn Owl (Strix pratincola) . 7 

Long-eared Owl (Asio wilsonianus) ... 47 

Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus) . 45 

Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum) . 37 

Florida Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum alleni) . 4 

Saw-whet Owl (Nyctala acadica) . 6 

Screech Owl (Megascops asio) . 94 

Great-Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). ... 30 

Snowy Owl ( Nyctea nyctea) . 6 

Hawk Owl ( Surnia ulula caparoch ). .. 1 

Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypogcea) . 10 


Total number of owls. 287 

Total number of hawks,. 785 


Total number of hawks and owls.1,072 


Note. —Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo sivainsoni). the Prairia Falcon (Falco mexicanus). Florida Barred 
Owl (Syrnium nabulosum alleni). and Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypogcea) are the only birds 
mentioned in this report which are not included in the fauna of Pennsylvania.—B. H. Warren. 











































APPENDIX. 


367 


THE FOOD OF CROWS. 


By Walter B. Barrows, S. B., Assistant Ornithologist. 


The economic status of the Common Crow ( Corvus americanus ) has been dis¬ 
cussed so often, and yet with such uncertain results, that it was one of the first birds 
to receive attention when the division was organized in 1885, being particularly men¬ 
tioned in the circular issued that year. Sevei'al hundred replies to the questions 
contained in that circular were received during that and the following year, and 
much additional information was collected by subsequent correspondence. A re¬ 
quest for stomachs of the crow was contained in the circular issued in 1886, and, 
although the responses to this have not been as numerous as could be desired, a 
number of correspondents have given material assistance, so that it is possible to 
append to the present paper the results of the dissection of eighty-six stomachs of 
the Common Crow ( Corvus americanus ) and twelve of the Fish Crow ( Corvus ossi- 
fragus). Thus the material at hand for a study of the food of crows, though by no 
means abundant, is nevertheless considerable, and sufficient progress has been 
made in its investigation to justify the publication of sonie of the results. One of 
the main objects of the present paper, however, is to call the attention of farmers 
and others to the disputed and unsettled questions relating to the crow and to secure 
their aid and cooperation in collecting evidence which will hasten a final settle¬ 
ment of these points. 

It is unnecessary at the present time to refer to the numerous contributions to our 
knowledge of the crows’ habits made from time to time during the last century, but 
it may be broadly stated that but three strong points in its favor have ever been 
claimed for the crow even by its warmest friends : These are (1) the habit of de¬ 
stroying injurious insects ; (2) the habit of catching mice ; and (3) the habit of eat¬ 
ing carrion. A few writers, mainly men of very limited experience, have main¬ 
tained, it is true, that the crow never does any harm worth mentioning; but the 
more rational of his defenders admit freely that a large amount of damage is done 
but claim that this is more than compensated by the good habits just specified. Of 
these, the carrion-feeding and mouse-eating habits have been the weaker arguments, 
and the place of the crow as a beneficial bird has rested mainly on the ground of its 
supposed services in the destruction of noxious insects. 

On the other hand, the injuries inflicted by the crow are more varied, those most 
commonly complained of being : 

(1) Destruction of young grain, particularly Indian corn on first coming up. 

(2) Destruction of ripe or ripening corn and other grain. 

(3) Destruction of ripe or ripening fruits of some kinds. 

(4) Destruction of various other vegetable products. 

(5) Destruction of the eggs and young of poultry. 

(6) Destruction of the eggs and young of wild birds. 

Nearly every one in the least familiar with the habits of the crow will readily 
admit that the bird is more or less beneficial or injurious in the ways indicated 
above, but the greatest diversity of opinion exists as to the degree of benefit or injury 
to be assigned to each category. 

The division has succeeded in bringing together a large amount of opinion on 
these points, and a considerable amount of what may be regarded properly as evi¬ 
dence. Moreover, some additional charges against the crow have been preferred 
and some further claims of merit are brought forward. Statements of mere opinion 






368 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


carry little weight unless the facts on which these opinions are based are fully 
known. On the other hand, the careful record of any actual experience with the 
crow is entitled to thoughtful consideration, the weight to be given to such evidence 
being modified only according to the known fitness or unfitness of the observer to 
appreciate all the elements entering into the case. 

As the entire question relates primarily to the food of the crow, it is obvious that 
the careful examination of a sufficient number of crow stomachs would be the only 
certain method of settling all questions ; but the number of stomachs required nec¬ 
essarily M r ould be very great, and in order fully to weigh the evidence thus afforded, 
full notes as to locality, date, time of day, character of place where killed, age of 
bird, etc., are indispensable. 

About one hundred stomachs, accompanied by such data, have been carefully ex¬ 
amined thus far. Unfortunately, however, most of these stomachs were those of 
adult crows, and very few of them were taken during the spring and early summer, 
when the crow is supposed to be the most beneficial. 

It has proved more difficult than was expected to secure crows during the spring 
and summer months, but a special effort will be made during the season of 1889, and 
it is hoped that a large number of stomachs may be collected and examined. Those 
of young crows are particularly desired, but those of crows of any age if taken dur¬ 
ing spring or summer will be very acceptable. Persons willing to aid the division 
in this way will be furnished with instructions and materials on application to the 
ornithologist,* and all costs of transportation will be defrayed by the department. 

In response to questions relating to the food habits of crows replies have been re¬ 
ceived from upwards of five hundred persons, and the information afforded by these 
replies, in combination with the results of dissection, form the basis of the following 
report: 


Injury to Indian Corn, Wheat, and Other Cereals. 

11 seems almost superfluous to say that the crow at certain times and places is verv 
destructive to crops of sprouting grain, for its corn-pulling habits were well known 
even in colonial times, and from that day until the present, wherever the bird is at 
all abundant, a newly-nlanted cornfield without scare crows lias been the exception 
and not the rule. Doubtless the destruction is greatest during the first week or two 
after the corn appears above ground, but if all reports are to be credited consider¬ 
able harm is done by digging up the seed corn directly after planting, even before 
the grain has begun to germinate. One observer states that the crow eats corn “from 
ten minutes after planting until the blades are three inches high,” and more than a 
score of other observers state definitely that the crow not only pulls up the voung 
plants, but digs up the newly-sown seed. 

The amount of damage to corn during spring and early summer is certainly very 
great in some sections, and undoubtedly it would be much greater but for the al¬ 
most universal custom of protecting the fields in one way or another. Of course, it 
is absurd to say how great the loss would be in case all precautions were neglected, 
and even in the case of actual damage it is impossible to estimate fairly the amount 
of the loss. Among nearly two hundred and fifty reports of more or less serious in¬ 
jury, less tlian one-fifth contain any figures from which the actual loss can be inferred 
even approximately, while hardly a dozen state definitely the acreage planted and 
the proportion destroyed or damaged. 

The following examples of the evidence on this question will give a fair idea of 
the harm occasionally done. It will be noticed that they represent widely separ¬ 
ated sections of the country : 

Osceola, Ark .—One liock ruined a field of several acres. 

Coventry, Conn .—In one field of three acres about half was destroyed ; other fields badly dam¬ 
aged, probably one-third pulled up. 

Osceola, 111.— Destroyed about two acres for me last year (1885) just as it was coming through 
the ground. 


Dr. C. JI. Merrinm. Ornithologist. U. s. Department of Agriculture. Washington. D. C. 








APPENDIX. 


369 


Plymouth, Me. Has been observed to destroy whole fields of from one to three acres. 

Rochdale , Mass. —Crows this year (1885) pulled one-third or more of the corn in ray field in spite 
of cotton lines stretched quite thickly over the fields. 

Nebraska, Ind — Have known the injury to amount to one-third of the crop. 

Burlington, Iowa. —Have known one-third of a five acre held to require replanting. 

Sand Hill , Mich. —Often destroys over half the crop when planted near a patch of woods. 
Fields sometimes are nearly destroyed. 

Bolton, Mo. One-third of a field of three acres was taken. 

Madison, Nebr. —The damage along the woodlands of the Elkhorn is ten per cent, of the planting. 

Caldwell, N. J.—Damage often from one-tenth to one-third of the field. 

Alfred Centre, N. T.—Sometimes they make a second planting necessary ; in one case a field of 
three acres was almost entirely pulled up. 

Ithaca, N. 1 .—In spite of all our efforts they almost destroyed the crop in a large part of one 
held. 

Locust Grove, N. Y .— In 1884^ large field was ruined by crows in spite of all precautions. It 
was “strung" at more frequent intervals than usual, a number of dead crows were displayed at 
various points, and it was replanted twice, but all to no avail, for almost the entire field was lost. 

Penza, Ohio.— Once saw a field on the 4tli of July which had been destroyed four times by crows, 
aud they were still working on it. 

Gap. Pa— Think they sometimes destroy five per cent, of the crop. 

Frogmore, S. C. —The damage sometimes amounts to over 50 per cent., but this is only in fields 
near woodland. 

Brandcm, Vt.— One-half to three-fourths of an acre was pulled from a three-acre field. 

West Pawlet , Vt. —In 1883 and 1884 I knew the crows to pull the corn so completely in fields of 
ten or twelve acres that all the ground had to be planted over. 

Omro, Wis — One piece of four acres was about two-thirds destroyed. 

The ten following samples may be taken as showing more nearly than the pre¬ 
ceding the average character of the reports noting damage to young corn : 

Smelley, Ala.— Much damage some years, others none at all. 

Brookfield Centre, Conn. —A small piece in a secluded spot was almost entirely destroyed. 

Vermillion, Dak. —In some fields on the Missouri bottoms crows often have destroyed two or 
three successive seedings of corn, but only in fields near timber. 

Marietta, Ga.— The damage is sometimes excessive, depending largely on location of held. 

Louisville, Ky.— The damage has been greatly exaggerated. Formerly it was sometimes great, 
but it is many years since crows have done any harm in my neighborhood by pulling up corn. 
They find other food in abundance and have forgotten their old habits. 

Smith Frankfort, Mich.— Injurious only in exceptional cases, and to a limited extent. 

Minneapolis, Minn.— The extent of the injury is measured only by the opportunity. 

Watkins, N. Y.— Farmers complain of their pulling corn in the spring as soon as it appears 
above ground; and corn is injured in this way sometimes so that it harvests one-eighth to one- 
fourth less than if it had not been touched. But not one farmer in twenty is injured as much as 
stated. 

Mount Vernon, Ohio.— Have known them to be quite trouolesome in pulling corn when ir. xs 
two or three inehes high, * * * but their attacks appear to be only periodical, perhaps many 
years apart. 

Berwick , Pa.— The damage is sufficient, sometimes, to compel the farmer to replant, yet the 
amount of injury done is not often of much account. There are exceptional cases when fields 
planted near their resorts have suffered considerably. 

A careful examination of all the available evidence bearing on this question brings 
out one or two points which are doubtless familiar to many farmers, but may be new 
to some. Other things being equal, the greatest damage is done where crows are 
most abundant ; and fieldsnearest their nests are much more likely to be plundered 
than those at a distance from woods. Neverthless, in the latter case, if the fields are 
also at a distance from the farm-house and are not specially protected, they may suf¬ 
fer more than other fields which, although near the woods, are so situated as to be 
easily watched from the house. It is of the utmost importence, moreover, that the 
crows be prevented from beginning to take corn from a field ; for after visiting it 
once they are far more likely to come again, and there is abundant evidence that 
after a crow has once formed the lidbit of corn-pulling it is almost impossible to pre¬ 
vent his gratifying his taste as long as he lives. This question will be fully treated 
under the head of insect food of the crow, and it need only be remarked here that, 
while crows undoubtedly eat many cut-worms and other insects, there is very little 

24 Birds. 



370 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


evidence that they pull young corn for any other purpose than to get the kernel at 
t lie root. 

The depredations of the common crow do not cease, except temporarily, when the 
young plants are too well rooted to be pulled with ease. After the ears are formed 
and the kernels well filled out the crow again visits the corn-fields, and sometimes 
does serious damage. At that time the young are as large as their parents, several 
families are commonly associated in a flock, and such a party is capable of a large 
amount of mischief in a comparatively short time. About fifty complaints of inj ury 
to “green corn,” “corn in the milk,” “ roasting ears,” and “ripening corn,” have 
been received. 

Injury to Other Cereals than Corn. 

Although the crow attacks and injures other grains than corn its depredations on 
these crops are far less general and serious. About fifty reports of such injury have 
been received, the losses complained of relating to wheat, rye, oats, barley, and rice. 
As with corn, the greatest damage is done by pulling up the sprouting grain, but 
more or less is eaten while ripening, or even when hard. 

Damage to Other Crops. 

About a dozen reports, nearly all from New England and Canada, mention the 
crow as destructive to potatoes, the worst mischief being done by pulling up the 
young plants in order to get the partly decayed pieces planted as “ seed.” Occasion¬ 
ally sweet potatoes and beans are pulled up in the same way, and in rome of the 
southern states the crow digs up peanuts, both as seed and when ripening, some¬ 
times causing considerable loss. The following notes from correspondents illustrate 
this class of injuries : 

From S. F. Cheney, Grand Manan, New Brunswick : 

The crow will take the potato seed out of the hill and pull up the potatoes when nearly ready 
to hoe. 

From Manly Hardy, Brewer, Me.: 

1 have known newly planted potatoes to be destroyed by^the acre. Have only known crows 
to attack potatoes within a few years (1885.) 

From Charles F. Goodhue, Webster, N. H.: 

Crows are very troublesome some years by pulling corn and digging up newly planted pota¬ 
toes, destroying both just as they appear above ground. The damage done to corn and potatoes 
varies from a few hills to nearly two acres. Sometimes nearly the whole crop is destroyed. 

From Walter Hoxie, Frogmore, S. C.: 

The crow destroys seed corn and rice invariably, unless tarred. It is yet more destructive to 
peanuts and sweet potatoes. 

From John M. Richardson, Daingerfield, Tex.: 

I have known the crow, assembling in immense tlocks, to do great harm to the pindar (peanut) 
crop in South Carolina. As the nuts approach maturity the fields had to be guarded by men and 
boys with guns from early dawn to late dusk. 

In some parts of the country the crow seems to have acquired a taste for water¬ 
melons, doing no little damage to this important crop. Mr. H. E. Van Deman states 
that at one time, on his farm at Genoa, Kans., he was obliged to cover some of 
his watermelons with grass, weeds, etc., in order to protect them from a family 
of crows which otherwise would have ruined them all. Thejr began to “plug” 
the melons as soon as they were nearly ripe, going from one to another until 
they found one which suited them, spoiling many which they did not eat. Re¬ 
ports of similar damage have been received from Georgia and South Carolina, 
one planter complaining that his melons are attacked before they are half grown, 
and another estimating his loss from the same cause at 10 per cent, of the crop. 

Occasionally crows do much damage to ripening fruit, but they generally find an 
abundant supply of wild fruits, and do not care to run the risk of a near approach 
to the garden unless the display'is particularly tempting. 

From the fact that crows feed largely on wild grapes, it seems a little strange that 




APPENDIX. 


371 


they do not visit the vineyard more frequently, but as yet very few complaints on 
this score have been received. One vineyard of several acres being just outside the 
limits of the city of Washington, D. C., has suffered considerable loss for several 
years from the frequent attacks of crows. One of the assistant ornithologists vis¬ 
ited it in September, 1886, and again in the same month in 1888, and found abundant 
evidence that the owner did not exaggerate when he stated his loss to be at least one- 
fourth of the crop. Not only were crows frequently seen eating the grapes, but two 
which were shot during the first visit had grape seeds in their stomachs. 

Other Vegetable Food op the Crow. 

In addition to the fruits and vegetables already mentioned as forming a part of 
the crow’s food, there are very many wild fruits, berries, seeds and nuts, on which 
the crow feeds largely at times, but the consumption of which is of little account 
to the farmer under any circumstances. 

The vegetable matter contained in the eiglity-six stomachs examined was as fol¬ 
lows : 


Vegetable Contexts ok Stomachs. 

No. of 
stomachs 
in which 
found. 

Vegetable Contexts op Stomachs. 

No. of 
stomachs 
in which 
found. 

Kernels of corn.. 

35 

Seeds of beach plum. 

2 

oats. 

3 

Virginia creeper ( Ampelopsis ), 

2 

wheat. 

2 

dogwood ( Cornua) . 

4 

Remains of acorns or chestnuts. 

cherries, cultivated varie- 

26 

bay berry ( Myrica) . 

common (harmless) sumachs 

3 

ties. 

8 

( Tihus ), . 

IT 

wild cherries. 

3 

poison sumach and poison ivy 


berries not identified, . . . 

4 

( Rhus), . 

ID 

haw berries ( Cratmgus) . . 

1 

juniper or red cedar. 

1 

Fruit pulp, not identified,. 

4 

bind-weed ( Polygonum), . . . 


Seeds of grape. 

7 

wild rice ( Zizania ). 

1 

10 

blackberries or raspberries, . . 

5 

Unidentified seeds. 

pumpkin. 

2 

Sea-weed. 

4 

cucumber or musk-melon, . . 

i 

Moss. 

1 


The crow is known also to eat the berries of the wintergreen, poke-weed, elder, 
smilax and hackberry ; and doubtless it also feeds upon numerous other berries and 
seeds. 

During autumn, and especially in the districts where grain is not readily obtaina¬ 
ble, a favorite food of the crow is acorns, beech-nuts, or chestnuts, immense quanti¬ 
ties of which are consumed. It may be mentioned incidentally, also, that in parts 
of Louisiana and Texas, and probably in other states, the crow injures the pecan 
crop to a considerable extent. 

The Distribution of Noxious Seeds. 

An interesting fact, which has come to light recently through the examination of 
crow stomachs, is the discovery that the berries of poison sumach (Rhus venenata) 
and poison ivy {Ithas toxicodendron ) are eaten in large numbers, by the crow. 

The poison ivy (also called poison vine, poison oak, mercury, or mercury vine, 
etc.) is too well known to need any description. The poison sumach (also called 
swamp sumach, poison elder, poison dogwood, etc.) is a shrub or small tree, con¬ 
fined mainly to swamps and wet places, and less generally known than the ivy, 
though its poison is much more powerful. Both species bear straggling bunches of 
greenish-white waxy berries, which cling tightly to the stems through the entire 
winter and thus are readily obtained by crows even when the ground is deeply cov¬ 
ered with snow. Each berry contains a single large seed or stone surrounded by a 
small amount of wax-like pulp which appears to contain considerable nutritious 

matter. 

Stomachs of crows taken in every month from September to March, and in differ¬ 
ent localities from Massachusetts to Florida, were found to contain these seeds, some- 


































372 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


times in large numbers. In one case one hundred and fifty-three seeds of poison 
ivy were found in a single stomach ; in several cases the number was more than one 
hundred, and the average in nineteen stomachs exceeded fifty. 

At a large crow-roost on the Virginia side of the Potomac, near Washington, the 
droppings of the crows are literally full of these seeds, usually accompanied by 
many seeds of the harmless (red-berried) sumachs, and a still smaller number of 
those of the flowering dogwood ( Cornusrflorida ) and the sour gum ( Nyssa ). The 
same is true of the large roost near Baltimore, Md., whence Mr. C. L. Edwards, of 
the Johns Hopkins University, sent to the department seeds of all the above species 
more than a year ago. The seeds of poison ivy and poison sumach had been found 
previously in crow stomachs collected near Washington, but for lack of a good ref¬ 
erence collection of seeds they remained unrecognized until December, 1888, when 
they were identified by the writer. 

In order to give some idea of the number of these seeds consumed by the crow it 
may be stated that a single pound of the dried excrement taken from the roost in 
the National Cemetery at Arlington, February 8, 1889, contained, by actual count, 
1,041 seeds of poison ivy, and 341 seeds of poison sumach, in addition to 3,271 seeds 
of other sumachs, 95 seeds of Virginia juniper, 10 seeds of flowering dogwood, and 
6 seeds of sour gum. The material, which covered about four square feet, was taken 
at random from above the layer of leaves, and represents the average deposit on the 
roost. As the roost covers upward of fifteen acres, some idea may be formed of the 
number of those seeds deposited there. 

It is a well-known fact that the germination of many kinds of seeds is hastened 
by their passage through the digestive organs of birds and other animals, and hence 
it was believed at once that the crow was aiding in the distribution of these poison¬ 
ous plants. In order to place the matter beyond question, however, seeds taken 
from the Arlington roost were tested in several ways, and not only was their vitality 
found to be unimpaired, but they were found to germinate more quickly than seeds 
taken from the vine. Of one hundred seeds of Bhus venenata from the roost, moist¬ 
ened and kept warm, ten sprouted within forty-eight hours, and twenty more within 
the next five days. One hundred and fifty seeds of the same kind and from the 
same source were planted in a flower pot in the greenhouse, and at the end of four¬ 
teen days one hundred and thirty of them had become vigorous seedlings from one 
to two inches high, and several more were breaking the ground. Similar results 
were obtained with seeds of Bhus toxicodendron from the roost, while seeds taken 
from the vine had not sprouted at the end of fourteen days. Thus it becomes certain 
that these seeds are improved rather than impaired by their passage through the 
digestive organs of the crow, and this bird therefore is doing incalculable harm by 
sowing broadcast the seeds of a poisonous vine and a more poisonous shrub, both of 
which unfortunately are far too abundant already. 

The Crow as a Destroyer op the Eggs and Young of Poultry and Wild 

Birds. 

More than three hundred and fifty of our correspondents have contributed notes 
relating to the crow as a robber of the nests of domesticated fowls and wild birds. 
About seventy of these state simply that “no damage of this kind has been ob¬ 
served,” but with this exception the evidence is almost wholly unfavorable to the 
crow. Two hundred and seventy-eight observers state distinctly that they know of 
more or less mischief of this kind committed by crows. One hundred and forty- 
seven have personal knowledge of its carrying off young chickens, and one hun¬ 
dred and seventy-four report damage to domesticated fowls. There are twenty-five 
complaints of injury to the eggs and young of turkeys, and about a dozen instances 
of similar damage to ducks and geese. 

Rather more than ten per cent, of the reports on domesticated fowls state that the 
damage is slight or occasional, but on the other hand upward of fifty observers re¬ 
port frequent and serious depredations, many of them stating that the crows do 
much more damage than hawks. It is significant that out of more than three hun- 



APPENDIX. 


373 


tired and fifty replies to the question covering the subject of damage to domesticated 
towls and wild birds only five are positively favorable to the crow. Seventy others 
are negatively favorable in that they report no injury observed, without, however, 
giving any indication of the extent of the opportunities for observation. The reports 
of damage come from all parts of the United States and Canada where crows are 
found, and as a rule the notes are clear and exact. 

As one result of all the information thus far collected it may be stated that the 
common crow is a serious enemy of poultry, all the more dangerous because so often 
unsuspected, and because of its remarkable cunning and stealth. It is also a skilful 
and inveterate robber of the nests and eggs of wild birds. 

The entire evidence submitted on this subject is well worth reading, but lack of 
space forbids the insertion of more than a few examples under each of two heads. 

Destruction op the Eggs and Young of Poultry. 

More than one-third of all the reports relating to damage to poultry specify fre¬ 
quent or serious loss. It appears from these notes that not only does the crow rob 
the hens, ducks, and turkeys which steal their nests in the brush, woods, or mead¬ 
ows, away from the farm-yard, but it frequently conies within a few steps of the 
house or barn, destroying all nests not absolutely inaccessible to it or snatching up 
the downy young about the very doors. Usually such visits are made very early in 
the morning, or at times when no one is at hand to prevent the theft, but frequently 
the robber becomes emboldened by success and makes his visits in the middle of, 
the day and with apparent disregard of all danger. Moreover, as in the case of some 
hawks and dogs, certain individuals become particularly addicted to chicken steal¬ 
ing, and return day, after day to the same place, seldom failing to secure a victim at 
each visit. 

The following notes from different parts of the country will serve to illustrate the 
crow’s methods in relation to eggs and chickens : 

From Owen Durfee, Fall River, Mass.: 

May 5 [18881, while walking by a farm-house near the city, I saw a crow sail over the house 
and finally settle down on a stonewall about one hundred feet from the house, and begin watch¬ 
ing the young chickens running about in the lot and through the wall under him. One of the 
chickens ran under him, and after eyeing it a moment, he turned to the next one, which was 
perhaps a week or ten days old. When this one was about six feet from him, he dropped down 
over it and struck at it two or three times with his beak. Then he acted as though about to eat 
it on the spot, but a young rooster running at him, he picked up the chicken and carried it off 
still squeaking in his beak. 

From William H. Lewis, Pawtucket, R. I,: 

1 have known the common crow to take chicks when they were from one to six weeks old. I 
know of a case where twenty have been lost this season. 

From H. Neherling, Freistatt, Mo.: 

I have frequently observed crows stealing the eggs from my poultry-yard. They do this very 
slyly and quietly. As soon as the eggs are hatched they carry off young chickens whenever they 
can get them. With the exception of Cooper’s Hawk I do not know such a bold robber as the 
crow. One day in April one of these birds perched on the fence, only a few steps from my house. 
An old hen with about a dozen chickens which were only a few days old was in my barn-yard. 
Suddenly the crow swooped down, caught a chicken with its bill, and went off, flying away near 
the ground. In a few weeks the crows carried off about twenty chickens, which varied in age 
from one day to four weeks. 

From H. R. Landis, Landis Valley, Pa.: 

When the young are hatched the crows are very bold, coming up to buildings, and in one case 
that come under my notice they took from one to four chickens each morning, nearly annihilat. 
ing a brood of about one hundred. 

From J. W. Van Kirk, Milton, Pa.: 

I have seen crows catch young chickens, and frequently have seen them carrying off eggs of 
both the domestic fowl and wild birds. We have had on different occasions whole nests of sit¬ 
ting turkeys and chickens robbed by them. In some cases the eggs were taken from under the 
hens while on their nests. 





374 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


From J. Y. Henry Knott, Kingston, N. Y.: 

I have seen the common crow eat eggs, and have caught him by baiting a steel-trap with an 
egg. The man in charge of the gas-works at Saugerties told me this spring that he had to cover 
his chicken-yard with wire to save the chickens from the crows, and that he saw them catch the 
chickens repeatedly. 

From Frank B. Hancock, Casky, Ky.: 

The common crow undoubtedly catches young chickens and steals eggs. They have caused 
me more trouble in that respect than hawks. My home is situated on the south side ol a wood¬ 
land. A colony of crows located in that woodland in 1870. This spring (1885) I have watched them 
carefully, and have seen them steal chickens before they were past the downy stage and carry 
them away to their young. 1 have one crow family charged with $25 worth of nice chicks stolen 
in April and May, 1885. 

Destruction of Eggs and Young of Wild Birds. 

No observant person will deny that the crow does serious damage to the eggs and 
young of wild birds. The instances of such depredation which have come within 
the knowledge of most farmers or other persons living in the country are far too 
numerous to leave a shadow of doubt on this score in any unprejudiced mind. 

Yet for every instance of such robbery witnessed by man thousands must take 
place without his knowledge. Persecution by crows is doubtless a very large factor 
among the influences which cause so many birds to crowd about human habitations 
during the nesting season, and yet the relentless crow follows them even to the 
eaves and window-sills of houses, taking their eggs and young in spite of every pre¬ 
caution. 

The evidence on this point, contributed by our observers during the past few 
years, is replete with accounts of such forays, and the only wonder is that robins, 
thrushes, blackbirds, and many other species continue to rear any young at all. The 
reports on this subject number one hundred and fifty or more, and contain minute 
descriptions of the destruction by crows of the eggs or young of more than twenty- 
live species of wild birds. The list includes the robin, wood thrush and other 
thrushes, brown thrasher, wrens, English sparrows and other sparrows, blackbirds 
of several species, Baltimore and Bullock’s orioles, woodpeckers, swallows, king¬ 
birds, wax-wing, warblers, bluejay, Carolina dove, quail, prairie chicken, woodcock, 
night herons and other waders, wild ducks, and sea-gulls. In addition to these 
specific statements, very many observers state that all kinds of small birds suffer 
from crows, while others say that it kills “many kinds” or “all kinds which can 
be obtained.” 

Naturally the robin is one of the most frequent sufferers, and perhaps its losses 
are more likely to be noticed than those of less familiar birds. The following re¬ 
ports indicate something ol the nature and extent of the inroads upon this species : 

From Prof. F. E. L. Beal, Lunenburgh, Mass.: 

I have known the crow to rob the nest of a robin of its eggs on se\eral occasions, always at the 
first peep of light. In one instance the nest robbed was within six feet of the open window of a 
chamber where I slept. 

From Charles F. Goodhue, Webster, N. H.: 

The crow has been known to rob every robin’s nest in a good-sized apple orchard, and to come 
within eight rods of the house and carry off four young robins in the course of one day. 

From J. W. Van Kirk, Milton, Pa.: 

Last spring (1886) out of ten robin’s nests around our building, nine were robbed of eggs by the 
crow. One of the nests was not over twenty yards from the house. The robin lays from three to 
five eggs, and you can safely say that at least forty robins were thus destroyed inside of eight 
acres of ground. 

From Dr. A. K. Fisher, Sing Sing, N. Y.: 

A great number of nests of the robin, wood thrush, and, in fact, many other birds are robbed 
of their eggs, and I have often observed crows flying away with young birds in their bills, fol¬ 
lowed by the outraged parents. 

In examining the contents of crow’s stomachs in spring, I have detected the presence of birds’ 
eggs in a number of cases. 




APPENDIX. 


375 


From C. S. Paine, East Bethel, Vt.: 

Crows come into our shade trees early In the morning' and take the eggs and young of the 
oriole and robin ; I think that over half of the nests of our small birds are destroyed by them. 

From D. Y. Overton, Burlington. Iowa: 

The common crow, especially at the east, is an inveterate robber of birds’ nests, and also de¬ 
stroys their young. I have seen him at the nests of the robin with the eggs in his mouth , and 
have seen him with young bluejays.in his beak as he took them from the nest. 

From Charles A. Davis, Burlington, Vt.: 

I have seen crows catch and carry to their nests eight or ten young bank swallows which were 
feathered out. 

From Samuel N. Rhoades, Haddonfield, N. J.: 

The crow steals eggs and young birds from the purple grackle, red-winged blackbird, robin, 
kingbii’d, Carolina dove, quail, and woodcock. It also destroys the eggs of several species of 
herons. 

Prof. D. E. Lantz, of Manhattan, Kansas, writes : 

I have not known the crow to trouble the poultry-yard in Kansas, but it is a noted robber of 
the eggs of quail and pinnated grouse. 

Dr. A. B. MacCrea, of Berwick, Pa., writes: 

A friend was mowing in the meadow this summer (1885) and uncovered a quail’s nest contain¬ 
ing some twenty eggs. He concluded to place them under a hen and went to the barn for a 
basket; when he returned a crow was finishing his dinner on the last egg. 

In all the dark history of the crow’s relations to other birds there is nothing which 
can be fairly called a bright spot, and only here and there a record is found which 
serves to render the page a little less gloomy. One of these grains of comfort is 
found in the fact that in its wholesale attacks on other birds a few species sutler 
which are scarcely better than itself. The bluejay and the purple grackle are known 
to destroy the eggs and young of smaller birds, and their own nests are frequently 
pillaged by the more powerful crow. Under favorable circumstances crows are 
known to destroy the eggs and young of the English sparrow, and they have done 
good service in this way about the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D. C., 
where it is no uncommon sight during the summer to see a crow (most often per¬ 
haps the Fish Crow) feeding on the young of these birds. 

Insect Food of the Crow. 

In attempting to study the insect food of the crow, two different questions present 
themselves at the outset. These are: (a) How many insects does the crow eat? 
and ( b ) What kinds of insects does it eat? The first question was answered in a 
general way more than half a century ago, and there is no reason now to deny the 
oft-repeated statement that the crow feeds largely on insects. The second question, 
however, is not only much more important, but much less easily answered ; for not 
all insects are injurious, and comparatively few persons can discriminate between 
the useful and harmful, especially when watching them from a distance or examin¬ 
ing those which have been crushed and swallowed by a bird. 

While,therefore, the field-notes of casual observers may help materially to answer 
the question as to the extent to which the crow feeds on insects in general, they can 
seldom be relied upon for an accurate knowledge of the insect species destroyed. As 
already stated, this latter question must be answered mainly by the critical study of 
the stomach-contents of large numbers of crows. Nevertheless, the accumulated 
observations of years as to the crow’s manner of feeding, together with notes op 
places most visited at certain times, and the insects most abundant in those places 
at such times, must not be disregarded, many such observations being of the great¬ 
est practical value. 

In the course of the present investigation on the crow, hundreds of notes on its 
insect-eating habits have been received from correspondents, and in many cases the 
observations are of greatest interest and value. Not a few of these notes relate to 
observations made under peculiarly favorable circumstances, and though we cannot 
feel perfectly sure of the correct identification, for example, of the Hessian fly and 
army-worm, we see no reason to doubt the statements of any farmer as to grasshop- 











376 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


pers and potato beetles, or even cut-worms and “white grubs.” It is true they may 
not know the scientific names of the particular species of grasshoppers or grub noted, 
but the observation, though less valuable on this account, is still of definite worth. 
A few observers have examined stomachs of crows occasionally, and their testimony 
in regard to the insects found therein therefore possess unusual value, but the 
larger number by far base their statements entirely on field observations. 

A few farmers contend that the crow rarely or never eats insects of any kind, 
while others simply state that they have never seen it do so, and express a favorable 
or unfavorable opinion as to the probability of such a habit. These, however, are 
individual exceptions, the great majority of observers stating emphatically that the 
crow does eat insects, and that he eats many; in fact, the unanimity of opinion 
on this point is rather surprising, and much of the most favorable testimony comes 
from men who are most severe on the crow as regards its other habits. 

In this connection, the evidence furnished by the stomachs examined in the divi¬ 
sion during the past year is interesting. The insects contained in these stomachs 
have been submitted to the entomologist of the department, and a summary of the 
results of his examination will be found in another place ; but while examining the 
other components of the food it was easy to separate the insect material from the rest, 
and to estimate the proportion which it formed of the entire food. 

The following table, showing the amount of insect food in the stomachs examined, 
contains several points of interest: 


Table showing the amount of insect food in the stomachs of eighty-six crows ( Corvus 

americanus ), arranged by months : 


Month. 

Number of 
stomachs 
examined. 

Number of 
stomachs 
containing 
insects. 

Percentage of 
stomachs con¬ 
taining insects. 

Average percent¬ 
age of insect food 
in stomachs con¬ 
taining it. 

Average percent¬ 
age of insect food 
in all stomachs 
examined. 

January,. 

14 

4 

28.6 

7 

2 

February. 

6 

1 

16.7 

i 

.17 

March. 

i 

1 

100 

i 

1 

April,. 






May. 

3 

3 

100 

76 

76 

June, . 

3 

3 

100 

14.7 

14.7 

July. 

16 

14 

87.5 

32.6 

28.5 

August. 






September. 

7 

6 

85.7 

33 

28.3 

October. 

13 

10 

76.9 

12.8 

9.8 

November, . 

3 

3 

100 

17.3 

17.3 

December,. 

20 

18 

90 

5.9 

5.4 


86 

63 

73.2 

19.7 

14.5 


It appears from the above table that sixty-tliree of the eighty-six stomachs ot the 
Common Crow 7 which w 7 ere examined, or more than seventy-three per cent., con¬ 
tained some insect food, the average amount in each of the sixty-three stomachs 
being nearly twenty per cent., or one-fifth of the entire food. Fourteen and one- 
half per cent, of all the food contained in the whole eighty-six stomachs consisted of 
insects, and this in spite of the fact that two-thirds of these stomachs were from birds 
taken during the colder half of the year, namely, between October 1 and April 1. 

At first sight it seems still more remarkable that ninety per cent, of the stomachs 
taken in December contained some insect food, while but eighty-seven and one-half 
per cent, of those taken in July contained insects. Those taken in July, however, 
contained in the aggregate more than five times as much food of this kind as those 
taken in December. 

Again, of the fourteen stomachs taken in January, but four contained insect re¬ 
mains, as against eighteen out of twenty taken in December. By consulting the 
detailed results of the examination, however, the reason is evident; for ten of the 
January birds w r ere taken at East Hartford, Conn., wdien the ground was mostly 
covered with snow, while most of the December birds were taken near Washington, 
D. C., when the ground w as mostly bare. 







































APPENDIX. 


377 


These few facts show how essential is the examination of large numbers of stom¬ 
achs in order to secure accurate results, but nevertheless it is impossible to avoid 
the conclusion that crows eat insects freely at all seasons of the year, and that the 
main reason why they do not eat as many in cold weather as in warm is simply be¬ 
cause they are not to be had then. These conclusions receive additional confirmation 
trom the reports ot observers, very many of whom state that the crow feeds on in¬ 
sects at all times of the year, but is especia lly destructive to them when they are ex¬ 
ceptionally abundant. 

Turning now to the reports of observers as to the kinds of insects eaten, we find 
additional testimony favorable to the crow. 

The following list gives the names of all insects on which the crow is said to feed, 
together with the number of observers reporting each kind : 


Names. 


! Insects of all kinds. 

t Insects, kind not specified. 

; Grasshoppers. 

Crickets. 

* ■ Locusts, ”. 

1 Seventeen-year cicada, . . 

f ' ‘ White grubs, ”. 

\ Grass, kind not specified, . 

j Cutworms. 

May beetles,. 

‘ ‘June bugs, ”. 

■ Potato beetles. 

Beetles, kind not specified 

j Caterpillars,. 

, Wire worms. 


No. of 
reports. 

Names. 

No. of 
reports. 

11 

Army worms. 

3 

54 

j Tobacco worms. 

2 

80 

Barth worms. 

7 

8 

Worms, kind not specified. 

10 

4 

Ants. 

2 

2 

1 ‘ * Bugs. ” kind not specified. 

C 

32 

Tent caterpillar. 

1 

49 

Apple tree worm. 

1 

44 

Canker worm,. 

1 

5 

Corn worm,. 

1 

2 

Bud worm. 

1 

0 

“Millers,”. 

1 

13 

Hessian flv. 

1 

7 

Cocoons. 

2 

t; 

Crysalids. 

2 


A glance at the above list shows that certain groups of insects are reported by large 
numbers of observers, and it is interesting to note that in almost every case the in¬ 
sects so reported are decidedly injurious. Thus grubs and “ white grubs” aggregate 
eighty-one reports, cut-worms are mentioned in forty-four, and grasshoppers in 
eighty. 

Among the numerous reports which mention a considerable variety of insects the 
following may be instanced : 

From William Proud, Chico, Cal.: 

It is a great devourer of grubs, caterpillars, chrysalises,"etc.; including wire-worms, larva? of 
cockchafer, beetles, army-worms, grasshoppers, and any other noxious vermin that falls in the 
way. 

From E. E. Mason, Accotink, Va.: 

I have have had them follow me all day when I have been plowing, picking up the grub¬ 
worms. They are evidently voracious feeders and not nice as to diet, but doubtless drew the 
line on any of the caterpillar family. A friend of mine having shot one cut his craw open and 
found so many insects that he said he had killed his last crow. 1 think if the crow was less dis- 
i turbed there would be less wormy roasting ears. 

From T. Scott Fisher, East Brook, Pa.: 

I watched a pair of crows follow me day after day last spring [1886] while plowing sod, and 
i| saw one crow pick up twenty-five to forty white grubs, cut-worms, and wire-worms at one time 
i anu then fly to the woods for an hour or so, then back and at it again. 

From William G. Coutan, Brackney, Pa.: 

I am convinced from personal observation that the crow pulls corn in search of grubs and 
worms. For where large quantities have been pulled up the grain is left intact on the sprout. 

From F. R. Welsh, Philadelphia, Pa.: 

On three or four occasions I have known crows to pull up corn from two to four inches high, 

1 1 do not think they eat the green top; their object seems to be to get at the seeds, which they in¬ 
variably eat. 

From John C. Linville, Gap, Pa.: 

It feeds largely on the large white grub, the larvae of the May beetle. When the common 
cut-worm is very numerous I have seen the crow dig something out of the hill of corn and leave 
the corn unmolested; I think he was catching the worms. 



























































378 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


From D. E. Pannepacker, Chalfont, Pa.: 

A field of corn is adjacent to my school-house. On the 13th of May the corn was planted, ami 
on the 22d of May I first noticed the tender shoots above the ground. The field previous to the 
cultivation was covered with a thick growth of sod, favorable to the existence of the grub and 
wire-worm. It was but natural, too, for these insects to remain, and not having the tender shoots 
of timothy, clover, and other grasses to satisfy their appetites, they turned their attention to 
the growing corn. The despised crow here rendered most excellent service, for though he 
pulled up-the corn, I noticed each time the well known track of the wire-worm, or the worn path 
of the grub. 

When the seventeen-year cicada appeared this summer (1885) the crow fed extensively on both 
its pupa? and imagoes. The young were fed to some extent on the pupae on May 30. As they 
had not at this time appeared above the ground, I suppose the crows obtained them in plowed 
fields.— {M. J. Perry Moore , Phila ., Pa.) 

The Crow an Enemy to Grasshoppers. 

Probably the most marked example of the good which crows do by destroying 
insects is found in their attacks on grasshoppers, crickets, and kindred insects. 
Eighty observers report the crow as feeding extensively on grasshoppers, and there 
can be no doubt that much good is done in this way. The following examples 
show something of the extent of the benefit occasionally done. 

From A. I. Johnson, Hydeville, Vt.: 

Crows have some very good qualities, catching countless numbers of crickets and grasshop¬ 
pers after the hay is cut. They can be seen at almost any time of day on the meadows catching 
grasshoppers. I observed one pair of old crows this summer (1885) when I was haying, that were 
feeding their young almost entirely (if not quite) on grasshoppers; the old crows would alight 
on the mown land within eight or ten rods of me, and after catching a hopper or two would fly 
to their young that were on the fence and there feed them with the hoppers. 

From W. E. Saunders, London, Ontario, Canada: 

Last summer (1885) I watched a flock of probably two thousand crows catching grasshoppers. 

From J. B. Underhill, Fork Union, Va. : 

As to the insect diet of the adult I cannot testify, having never examined the gizzards. The 
gizzards of two young which were taken from the nest were filled to overflowing with grass¬ 
hoppers, and each contained one or two kernels of corn. 

From Morris M. Green, Boonville, N. Y. : 

Near Boonville I have seen the common crow feeding on grasshoppers during the summer 
months. Some fields seemed to be fairly black with the birds pursuing the grasshoppers in 
every direction. One day noticing a flock of crows frequenting a particular field, I visited the 
place, and found that the roots of the grass had been completely eaten away, so that the sod or 
turf could be taken by tne hand and rolled up like a rug or carpet. A farmer living in the 
vicinity told me that the crows visited the place every day to feed upon the grubs that destroyed 
the turf in this way. The grubs or larva? were about three-fourths of an inch in length ; body 
whitish, with some dull plumbeous underneath ; head blackish. 

The Insect Food of the Crow as Revealed by Examination of 

Stomachs. 

Among the eighty-six stomachs of the Common Crow examined, sixty-three were 
found to contain insect remains, and these remains were submitted to the entomol¬ 
ogist of the department, Prof. C. V. Riley, who caused a critical study of them to be 
made, and has in preparation a full report, showing the number and kinds of insects 
represented in each stomach, with notes as to their habits and economic importance. 
A brief summary of the more important facts brought out by this investigation is 
given herewith. It has been prepared by the writer from a preliminary report to 
the entomologist by Tyler Townsend, assistant, who, with the aid of the other 
members of the entomological force, made most of the determinations. The full re¬ 
port will appear in a bulletin on the crow, which is now in preparation in the orni¬ 
thological division. 

The stomachs examined contained the remains of about ninety-two species of 
true insects, represented by about five hundred specimens. About ten per cent, of 
these cannot be classed properly as either beneficial or injurious, and the remainder 





APPENDIX. 


379 


are divided pretty evenly between the two. The following table shows the orders 
represented, as well as the number of species and individuals in each, and these are 
further classified under the heads beneficial, injurious and neutral : 

Table showing the nature of the insect food in sixty-three stomachs of the 

Common Crow. 





Species. 

Individuals. 




Bene- 

Inju- 

Neu- 

Total. 

Bene- 

Inju- 

Neu- 

Total. 




flcial. 

rious. 

tral. 

flcial. 

rious. 

tral. 

Hymenoptera. 



16 

1 


17 

126 

8 


134 

Lepidoptera, . 




6 


6 


16 


16 

Diptera. 



1 



1 

1 


1 

Coleoptera. . . 



23 

16 

8 

47 

85 

57 

32 

174 

llemiptera. . . 



1 

1 

3 

3 

1 

I 

1 

3 

Orthoptera. 




17 


17 


150 


150 

Neuroptera, 





1 

1 



18 

18 

Total. . . 



41 

41 

10 

92 

213 

232 

51 

496 


Ln addition to the true insects mentioned above, the stomachs contained remains of at least three 
species of spiders and two of myriapods, sixteen specimens in all, and all beneficial. 


The order Coleoptera (beetles) is most numerously represented, and a majority 
of the species are beneficial. It is an interesting fact that no less than eighteen spe¬ 
cies of predaceous beetles ( Cicindelidce and Carabidce) are included in this number, 
together with nearly a dozen species of the scavenger beetles ( Scarabceidce ). Some 
of these are species possessing disagreeable odors, and it is somewhat surprising 
that the crow should take them unless other food was scarce. They occur most 
abundantly, however, in stomachs taken in May, June and July, when other food 
must have been abundant. Among the injurious beetles identified are the flat¬ 
headed apple-tree borer ( Chrysobothris ), of which a single specimen was found; 
May beetles ( Lachnosterna ) in five stomachs (nine specimens in one) ; and a few 
other borers and leaf-feeders. Three small weevils were taken from one stomach 
and considered “ injurious insects,” as they are, but it is probable that they were 
hidden in kernels of corn which were eaten by the crow. 

The order Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, etc.) is well represented by one 
hundred and fifty specimens belonging to seventeen species. Twenty-eight stomachs 
contained examples of this order, and the results of stomach examination in this 
case bear out the statements of observers and show that in this direction the work 
done by the crow is entirely beneficial, as all these insects are more or less injurious. 

The order Hymenoptera, including the wasps, bees, ants, etc., is represented in 
the material taken from the crow stomachs by one hundred and thirty-four speci¬ 
mens belonging to seventeen species, all but one of which are beneficial. A species 
of saw fly, decidedly injurious, was found in one stomach, and seven larva3 of the 
same or another species in a second stomach. One of these stomachs, however, also 
contained the remains of*a young bird, apparently a nestling, and it is not improba¬ 
ble that the saw flies came from this source. Two other stomachs contained remains 
of ichneumon flies belonging to different genera. These are among the most bene¬ 
ficial of insects, destroying particularly large numbers of caterpillars. 

Only one other order requires special mention, viz., the Lepidoptera. In this are 
included the butterflies and moths the larva? of which are almost invariably de¬ 
structive. Contrary to what might have been expected, the crow stomachs do not 
show many representatives of this order. Six species, five of which are decidedly 
injurious, were recognized, but the sixteen specimens were distributed among nine 
stomachs. The family Noctaides , which includes the cut-worms, was represented 
by nine specimens in six stomachs; that is, but six crows out of eighty-six had 
eaten any cut-worms. 

In concluding this imperfect summary of the insectivorous habits of the Common 
Crow it must be conceded that the showing is not very favorable for the bird. 













































380 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Considering merely the testimony of observers, the conclusion would be favorable 
in the main, for it appears that the crow eats insects throughout the season, at many 
times in large quantities, and often of the most injurious kinds. To be sure they 
are mainly terrestial or subterranean kinds, but they are decidedly injurious in the 
main, and few, if any, beneficial insects are said to be taken. 

In the light of the stomach examinations, however, the case assumes a different 
complexion, for although the evidence from this source confirms in some respects 
the testimony of observers, it indicates also that beneficial and injurious insects are 
taken in nearly equal quantities, and thus the good done at one time may be fully 
neutralized at another. The force of this point is much weakened by the small 
number of stomach examinations made, and by the fact that so few crows were taken 
during the summer months; but the indications point to an omnivorous habit in 
general, and to the destruction of good and bad insects indiscriminately. 

As has been suggested by many previous writers and reiterated by numbers of 
our own observers, the harm done in the destruction of eggs and young of insectiv¬ 
orous birds during spring and early summer is beyond all computation ; and it is 
difficult for one familiar with the magnitude of the crow’s iniquity in this direction 
to believe that any destruction of injurious insects or other animals can fully atone 
for it. Yet even here another factor should be taken into account, as it must be 
borne in mind that many of the small birds killed by the crow are not strictly in¬ 
sectivorous, while some of them, in their thefts of fruit and other crops, continually 
tend to even their own accounts with the farmer, and occasionally even overdraw 
them. 

The Crow as an Enemy to Field Mice and Other Small Quadrupeds. 

Aside from the insect-eating habits of the crow its most beneficial trait probably is 
the killing of field mice. Of these it is a great destroyer, hunting up the nests and 
devouring young and old whenever they can be caught. There is abundance of 
evidence that crows are very skilful at such hunting, and undoubtedly they form 
one of the strong checks on the increase of these prolific and destructive rodents. 
Among the reports of our correspondents are twelve which mention this habit of 
mouse-hunting, and from these we select a few : 

From James O. Whittemore, Fairfield, Me. : 

I have observed crows catching insects and field mice all the year round. The general im¬ 
pression among farmers is to tolerate crows at all seasons except the early spring. 

From F. A. Sampson, Sedalia, Mo. : 

After mowing I have seen crows feeding on what I supposed to be grasshoppers; they also 
catch and eat mice. ^ 

We have received one report also from William J. Howerton, of Florence, Ariz., 
who writes as follows : 

The Common Crow of this section is of some economic value, as I have observed it catching 
and killing the common pocket gopher. 

Miscellaneous Animal Food of the Crow. 

Probably no family of birds in existence is more truly omnivorous than the crows; 
almost anything eatable is utilized when hunger presses, though at other times 
they are more scrupulous about their food. It is useless, therefore, to attempt to 
give a complete category of the items which may enter into the crow’s diet, and as 
many of them have no bearing on the economic aspects of the question it is unnec¬ 
essary to dwell on the subject here ; any one who is curious to know exactly what 
ninety-eight crows had eaten just before they were killed can consult the list of 
stomach examinations with which this paper concludes. 

The animal matter contained in the stomachs of eighty-six common crows exam¬ 
ined was as follows: 





APPENDIX. 


3S1 


Animal Contents of Stomachs. 

No. of 
stomachs 
in which 
found. 

Animal Contents of Stomachs. 

No. of 
stomachs 
in which 
found. 

Carrion. 

14 

Remains of other crustaceans.. 

5 

Remains of mice. 

4 

mussels or clams. 

4 

snake. 

1 

snails of various kinds. . . 

6 

frogs. 

5 

insects,. 

611 

salamander. 

1 

spiders. 

2 

fish. 

9 

myriapod. 

I 

crayfish. 

C> 




The following statement from Mr. John M. Richardson, of Daingerfield, Tex., is 
interesting in this connection from its novelty. Mr. Richardson writes : 


The crow is known to catch young terrapins, and there is reason to believe that it destroys 
other small reptiles. I remember a rock-crowned hill on the east bank of the Wateree, between 
Manchester and Statesburgh, in Sumpter county, Ga., that was almost covered with remains of 
small terrapins and land tortoises carried there, killed, and devoured by crows. 

Results in Detail of the Examination of Stomachs of the Common 

Crow ( Corvus americanus). 

[Note.— The following records of dissection are from examinations of stomachs preserved in 
alcohol and forwarded to the Department of Agriculture by the collectors whose names accom¬ 
pany the records in the list below. Unless otherwise stated the determinations of the various 
items of stomach contents have been made entirely by members of the division, the writer being 
responsible for the larger part. The percentages of the food elements in each case are to be re¬ 
garded simply as approximate; they are merely careful estimates, no exact measurement being 
practicable. As elsewhere stated, the remains of insects were referred to the entomologist of 
the department, for critical study, and a summary of his preliminary report has been given on 
a previous page.] 

i 

2648. Male. Schraalenburgh, N. J. January 2, 1886; 9.30 a. m. F. J. Dixon. 

Animal matter. 0 per cent.; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 6; indeterminate, 4. 

Stomach less than half full. 

Contents. —Fragments of corn, acorns, etc.; 3 bits of insect legs; fine mud¬ 
like matter not determined ; a little sand and gravel. 

2649. Female. Schraalenburgh, N. J. January 2, 1886 ; 10.30 a. m. F. J. Dixon. 

Animal matter, 7 percent.; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 3. Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Remains of corn, pumpkin and cucumber seeds and perhaps other 

seeds ; remains of muscular fiber, probably from a mussel or clam as some 
of it was attached to a piece of a shell, apparently that of bivalve ; a few 
bits of shell and a little sand ; no remains of insects. 

7012. Chester county, Pa. January 12, 1887. Dr. B. H. Warren. 

Animal matter, 25 per cent.; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach about 
two-thirds full. 

Contents. —A few bits of com (kernels), and a large amount of hulls of corn 
or other grain, with some other vegetable fiber; 4 seeds of poison ivy 
(Rhus toxicodendron ); 2 vertebrae of small bird* and several fragments of 
bone of small fish* ; 3 or 4 small beetles and a large quantity of other in¬ 
sect remains and one spider ; a good supply of coarse gravel. 

7013. Chester county, Pa. January 15, 1887. Dr. B. H. Warren. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 9. Stomach about 
three-fourths full. 

Contents.— One hundred and fifty-three seeds of poison ivy ( Rhus toxicoden¬ 
dron ), about 125 seeds of sumach (j Rhus glabra 1; egg-case of a spider; in¬ 
sect remains ; a fair amount of sand and gravel; a quantity of finely pul¬ 
verized vegetable matter mixed with fine sand. 

4432. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 15, 1887 ; a. in. Willard E. Treat. 

Animal matter, 10 per cent.; vegetable, 75; gravel, etc., 15. Stomach well 
filled. 


‘These bones were identified by F. A. Lucas. 

































382 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Contents. —Remains of kernels of corn, forming about 70 per cent, of entire 
stomach contents ; about 15 seeds of common sumach (jR ims) and 1 seed of 
poison sumach (Rhus venenata ); about 10 per cent, of bits of flesh and 
ligament of some animal, probably carrion ; a large amount of clean sand 
without pebbles ; no insect remains. 

4433. Female. East Hartford, Conn. January 15, 1887 ; a. m; Willard E. Treat. 
Animal matter, 15 per cent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 75. Stomach less than 

half full. 

Contents. —Three unknown seeds, probably of apple, pear, or quince; a smali 
amount of vegetable matter like pulp of fruit; a single hog bristle and a 
number of bits of meat, probably carrion ; a large amount of sand without 
any gravel or pebbles ; no insect remains. 

4434. Female. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; a. m. Willard E. Treat. 
Animal matter, 15 per cent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 75. Stomach about 

half full. v 

Contents. —A few skins of berries or seeds in small bits, and a little other fine 
vegetable debris ; a single hog bristle and bits of animal tissue, probably 
carrion ; about 2 per cent, of insect remains, all of a single insect; a large 
amount of sand, and two or three small pebbles. 

4435. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; 2 p. m. Willard E. Treat. 
Animal matter, 5 per cent.; vegetable, 3 ; gravel, etc., 92. Stomach almost 

empty. 

Contents. —One or two hog bristles and a few shreds of animal membrane, 
probably carrion ; a few bits of hulls of corn or other grain ; a little sand 
and many small fragments of some hard black mineral; no insect remains. 

4436. Female. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; 2 p. m. Willard E. Treat. 
Animal matter, 35 per cent.; vegetable, 60 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach about half 

full. 

Contents. —About 100 seeds of poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron) , and 7 seeds of 
common sumach (Rhus); about 35 per cent, of shreds and bits of animal 
membrane, probably carrion ; a little sand and five or six small pebbles ; 
no insects. 

4437. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; 2 p. m. Willard E. Treat. 
Animal matter, 40 per cent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 50. Stomach almost 

empty. „ 

Contents. —Two seeds of harmless sumach (Rhus) and a few hulls and skins 
of other seeds or grain ; one hog bristle and a few shreds and small masses 
of muscle and tendon, probably carrion; sand without pebbles; no in 
sects. 

4438. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; 2 p. m. Williard E. Treat. 
Animal matter, 14 per cent.; vegetable, 85; gravel, etc., 1. Stomach well 

filled. 

Contents. —Remains of about 20 kernels of corn, 9 or 10 of them nearly entire ; 
about 80 seeds of harmless sumach (Rhus) ; one or two hog bristles, and 
many shreds and bits of meat, probably carrion ; a very little sand ; no in¬ 
sects. i 

4450. Female. East Hartford, Conn. January 31, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Willard E. Treat. 
Animal matter, 5 percent. ; vegetable, 48; gravel, etc., 47. Stomach well filled. 
Contents. —Remains of kernels of corn, mostly hulls; one or two small shreds 

of meat (carrion?) ; a dozen or more caddis-fly cases and some of the legs 
of the larvae [Tyler Townsend] ; a large amount of sand and gravel. 

4451. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 31, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Williard E. Treat. 
Animal matter, 50 per cent. ; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than 

half full. 

Contents.— Scraps and shreds of meat and animal membrane (carrion ?) ; about 
120 seeds of harmless sumach (Rhus), and other remains of the berries; 
no gravel or sand ; no insects. 





APPENDIX. 


383 


4452. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 31, 1887; 10 a. m. Williard E. Treat. 

Animal matter, 50 per cent. ; vegetable, 42 ; gravel, etc., 8. Stomach well filled. 

Contents .—Shreds and tendinous masses of animal matter, probably carrion ; 
remains of a few acorns or chestnuts ; 77 seeds of poison ivy ( Rhus toxi¬ 
codendron') ; about 175 seed of harmless sumach {lthus) ; a small amount 
of gravel and sand ; no insects. 

3059. Male. Sandy Spring, Md. February 4, 1887 ; a. m. H. H. Miller. 

Animal matter, 0 per cent. ; vegetable, 87 ; gravel, etc., 10; indeterminate, 3. 
Stomach well filled. 

Contents .—Corn almost entirely, more than half of it in large pieces, some nearly 
entire kernels and a large quantity of hulls ; about 10 per cent, of gravel 
and sand, the bulk of it being rusty quartz ; a small amount (3 per cent .) 
of fine “mud,” not identifiable ; no insects. 

4461. East Hartford, Conn. February 14, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Willard E. Treat. 

Animal matter, 40 per cent.; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 10. Stomach well 

filled. 

Contents. —Remains of corn and perhaps other grains, with a few bits of grass 
and hulls of seeds ; about 60 seeds of harmless sumach {Rhus), apparently 
of two distinct species; 2 seeds of red cedar {Juniperus) ; a large amount 
of muscular fiber, fat, and sinews, probably carrion ; sand and gravel ; no 
insects. 

4462. Female. East Hartford, Conn. February 14, 1887 ; 10 a.m. Willard E. Treat. 

Animal matter, 5 per cent., vegetable, 45; gravel, etc., 50. Stomach nearly 

empty. 

Contents. —Remnants of corn and hulls; a few bits of acorn shells; a bit of 
skin (without hair) of some animal; a single hog bristle ; a fair amount of 
fine sand, and two or three small pebbles ; no insects. 

4463. Female. East Hartford, Conn. February 14, 1887 ; 10 a.m. Willard E. Treat. 

Animal matter, 1 percent; vegetable, 45; gravel, etc., 50; indeterminate, 4. 

Stomach about half full. 

Contents .—About 100 seeds of harmless sumach {Rhus), and a considerable 
amount of hulls, skins, etc., of these or other seeds and fruits ; a few 
minute bits of the hard parts of insects ; a little very fine black “mud,” 
not determined, sand, gravel, and bits of coke. 

4464. Male. East Hartford, Conn. February 14, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Williard E. Treat. 

Animal matter, 75 per cent. ; vegetable, 0; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach almost 

empty. 

Contents .—One hog bristle ; a very little muscular fiber and sinew and some 
fat, doubtless all carrion ; a small amount of fine sand ; no insects. 

3139. Male. West Goshen, Pa. February 15, 1886. Dr. B. H. Warren. 

Animal matter, 5 per cent.; vegetable, 93; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach about 
half full. 

Contents. —Remains of numerous kernels of corn; 6 seeds of sumach ; asmall 
bone from tarsus or carpus of some animal, apparently of the size of a dog 
or sheep ; a single piece of slate about one-half inch long; no insects. 

1331. Male. Washington, D. C. March 13, 1886 ; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 1 percent. ; vegetable, 97 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Unidentified vegetable matter mainly ; a few bits of corn or other 
grain, with some hulls, bits of grass, and what appears to be young sprouts 
of some vegetable ; 3 or 4 small seeds not identified ; a single claw of a cray¬ 
fish and a few bits of insect remains ; no pebbles and very little sand. 

1379. Young. Saint Louis, Mo. May 23, 1885. Otto Widmann. 

Animal matter, 99 per cent. ; vegetable, 0 ; gravel, etc., 1. 

Contciits. —Many bones of frog ; numerous fragments of insects ; a very little 
sand. 




384 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


5510. Nestling. Gainesville, Ya. May 13, 1887 ; 5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 90 per cent. ; vegetable, 0 ; gravel, etc., 0; indeterminate, 10. 

Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Mainly insects ; a few bones of a small frog ; about 10 per cent, of 
fine “mud,” apparently a mixture of animal, vegetable, and mineral mat¬ 
ter, but not determinable ; no sand or gravel. 

5511. Nestling. Gainesville, Va. May 13, 1887 ; 5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 90 per cent. ; vegetable, 7 ; gravel, etc., 1; indeterminate, 2. 

Stomach about two-thirds full. 

Contents. —Six or eight'small pieces of vegetable matter, apparently bits of an 
acorn or chestnut; a few shreds of vegetable fiber : 2 or 3 minute bones of 
a fish ; 3 bits of shell, probably of snail ; a single small pebble and a few 
grains of sand; a large amount (nearly 90 per cent.) of insect remains, 
among which pieces of beetles are numerous ; a small amount of fine mud¬ 
like material, probably from the insects. 

2514. Adult female. Sing Sing, N. Y. June 30, 1886 ; 3 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 99; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach full. 

Contents.— Mainly corn, one whole kernel and many large pieces, and a large 
amount of hulls and finely pulverized corn ; 3 stones of cherries (culti¬ 
vated), a few bits of black vegetable material like the shell of an acorn ; a 
few bits of the hard parts of beetles ; no sand or gravel. 

2677. Young. Englewood, N. J. June 27, 1886; 5 p. m. F. M. Chapman. 

Animal matter, 95 per cent. ; vegetable, 5; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Remains of small bird, apparently an unfledged young ; remains 
of insect larvae and insects, but these may have come from the stomach of 
the young bird eaten by the crow'; a few bits of the hulls of corn, and 
other vegetable debris. 

3045. Adult (?). Peterborough, Madison county, N. Y. June, 1886. G. S. Miller, Jr, 

Animal matter, 3 per cent. ; vegetable, 95 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well filled. 

Contents .—Kernels of corn, oats, and a few of wheat, together with a large 
quantity of hulls, mainly of oats ; a few small fragments of insects ; 4 small 
pebbles, and a very little sand. 

3769. Male. Immature. Peck’s Island, New Jersey. July 1, 1886; noon. J. 
Percy Moore. 

Animal matter, 15 per cent. ; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 75. Stomach about 
half full. 

Contents .—Mainly sand and bits of shell; two or three bits of seaweed and a 
very little other vegetable matter ; 1 gasteropod shell about half an inch 
long; 3 or 4 joints of a crustacean’s legs; hundreds of minute fish verte¬ 
brae, almost microscopic ; about 5 per cent, of insect remains in very fine 
pieces. 

2D 15. Male. Immature. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 1, 1886; 9 a. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 99 per cent. ; vegetable, 0; gravel, etc., 0; indeterminate, 1. 
Stomach about half full. 

Contents. —Insects, mainly larvae ; a few bits of what appears to be bark or 
wood, but not positively identified ; no sand or gravel. 

2516. Male adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 1, 1886 ; 9 a. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 2 per cent. ; vegetable, 95 ; gravel, etc., 3. Stomach well filled. 

Contents.— -Nine cherry stones, with skins and pulp of about 3 ; fragments of 
corn or other grain, and the hulls of same ; about 20 seeds of Rubus sp. ? 
and 6 or 8 unknown seeds ; a few remains of insects, apparently beetles ; 5 
small pebbles and a little sand. 

Dr. Fisher says the cherry stones are from cherries which grow every¬ 
where in the woods about Sing Sing, and probably have escaped from cul¬ 
tivation. They are very dark when ripe, almost black. 




APPENDIX . 


385 


2517. Male adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 1, 1886; noon. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 65 per cent.; vegetable, 33; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well 
filled. 

Contents. —Seven cherry stones (like those in No. 2516), and bits of skins and 
other d6bris of fruit; about a dozen seeds of Rubus, apparently the red 
raspberry ( R . strigosus ); large quantity of insect remains, one or two in¬ 
sects nearly entire ; a very small amount of sand. 

25ia Male adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 1, 1886 ; 1 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 70 per cent.; vegetable, 30 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach full. 
Contents. —Nineteen cherry stones (like those in No. 2516) ; a few bits of fruit 
skins and vegetable fiber; a very large amount of insect remains; four 
small vertebrae of small, tailed batrachian, perhaps a salamander (iden¬ 
tified by F. A. Lucas). 

2519. Male adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 2, 1886 ; 10.30 a. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 60 per cent.; vegetable, 40; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach well 

filled. 

Contents. —Six cherry stones (like those in No. 2516), and a very little other 
vegetable matter; bones and flesh of a small bullfrog (identified by F. A. 
Lucas). No trace of insects or gravel. 

2520. Female adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 2, 1886; 1 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 50 per cent.; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach little 
distended. 

Contents. —Five stones of cherry (like those in No. 2516); remains of insects; 
no gravel. 

2521. Female adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 2, 1886; 1.30 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 60 per cent.; vegetable, 40; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach nearly 

empty. 

Contents. —One cherry stone (like those found in No. 2516), and a single frag¬ 
ment of some other fruit stones; insect remains ; no gravel. 

2522. Female adult Sing Sing, N. Y. July 2, 1886 ; 2.30 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 33 per cent.; vegetable, 65; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well 

filled. 

Contents. —Four cherries, whole or nearly so, and stones of twelve more (like 
those in No. 2516), with a very little other vegetable matter; bones of a 
frog, forming about four-fifths of the animal matter, the remainder being 
fragments of insects; a single pebble and a very little sand. 

2678. Young. Nigger Pond, Ramapo Mountains, N. J. July 4, 1886 ; 5 p. m. F. 

M. Chapman. 

Animal matter, 10 per cent.; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach nearly 
empty. 

Contents.— A few pieces of acorns, peas, or kernels of corn ; three or four small 
berries, probably of the heath family, perhaps blueberries ( Vaccinium ) ; 
two or three pieces of animal matter, possibly bits of marine worms: two 
or three bones of small fish ; no sand or gravel. 

2679. Young. Nigger Pond, Ramapo Mountains, New Jersey. July 4, 1886; 5 p. 

m. F. M. Chapman. 

Animal matter, 3 per cent.; vegetable, 97; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach about 
half full. 

Contents. —Numerous fragments of the flesh of some nut, fruit or grain, not 
determined, perhaps of acorn, as there are many fragments of /shell re¬ 
sembling that of an acorn ; 2 pistils of flowers nearly an inch long ; a few 
bones of small fish ; no trace of insects or gravel. 

2866. Male adult (?). Peterborough, Madison county, N. Y. July 14, 1886. G. S. 
Miller, Jr. 

Animal matter, 60 per cent.; vegetable, 30; gravel, etc., 4 ; indeterminate, 6. 
Stomach well filled. 

25 Birds. 





386 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Contents. —Remains of oats (mainly the hulls); fine grass and some other 
vegetable fiber ; bones and nearly all the teeth of a field-mouse ( Arvicola 
riparius ), forming about 25 per cent, of the whole stomach contents; 
about 30 per cent, of insect remains ; about 6 per cent, of fine “ mud ” not 
identifiable. 

4886. Young. Hillsborough, New Brunswick. July 15, 1886 ; 3 to 4 p. m. Jonathan 

Dwight, Jr. 

Animal matter, 10 per cent.; vegetable, 45; gravel, etc., 45. Stomach nearly 
empty. 

Contents. —Remains of seeds and berries, two kinds ot seeds not recognized ; 
remains of insects ; 10 pebbles ; no sand. 

4887. Male, young. Hillsborough, New Brunswick. July 16,1886 ; 8a. m., Jonathan 

Dwight, Jr. 

Animal matter, 35 percent.; vegetable, 65; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than 
half full. 

Contents. —A piece of moss about half an inch long ; hulls of five or six rasp¬ 
berries ; seven seeds of red raspberry ( Rubus strigosus); remains of a 
large cutworm ; no gravel or sand. 

4888. Female, young. Hillsborough, New Brunswick. July 16, 1886 ; 8 a. m. Jona¬ 

than Dwight, jr. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 99; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than 
half full. 

Contents. —Hulls and a few seeds of raspberry ; two small unknown pods not 
yet ripe ; twelve or fifteen very small seeds, possibly those of strawber¬ 
ries; a single fragment of some beetle ; no gravel or sand. 

4962. Male, immature. Hillsborough, New Brunswick. July 29, 1886; 5 p. m. 
Jonathan Dwight, Jr. 

Animal matter, 20 per cent.; vegetable, 80; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach about 
half full. 

Contents. —A large amount of pulp and skins of some fruit not identified (the 
pulp looks like that of an early apple, but the skins are too thin); two 
stones of some species of Prunus, perhaps a beech plum ; remains of in¬ 
sects, mainly (?) beetles, but one large cutworm ; no gravel. 

735, Immature. Sing Sing, N. Y. September 18, 1885; 10 a. m. Dr. C. Hart 
Merriam. 

Animal matter, 5 per cent.; vegetable, 60; gravel, etc., 20; indeterminate, 15. 
Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Tw enty-two stones of wild cherry ( Prunus serotina)] 9 of cornel ( Cor- 
nus sp. ?), and 3 unidentified ; also pulp of above berries; a few pieces of 
of w r hat appears to be an acorn or chestnut; various hard parts of insects. 

1540. Alfred Centre, N. Y. September 20, 1885 ; a. m. F. S. Place. 

Animal matter, 45 per eent.; vegetable, 53; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach full. 

Contents .—Fragments of the “meat” of some nut or large seed; pieces of 
acorns or chestnuts ; numerous fragments of fruit pulp, probably apple; 
many insect remains (45 per cent); 5 small pebbles ; no sand. 

1541. Alfred Centre, N. Y. September 20, 1885 ; a. m. F. S. Place. 

Animal matter, 40 per cent.; vegetable, 60 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach full. 

Contents. —Seven stones of wild cherry {Primus serotina ); 5 or 6 triangular 
seeds (of Polygonum ?) skins and other vegetable matter from both the 
preceding, and some long vegetable fiber from some other plant; numer¬ 
ous insect remains ; no sand or gravel. 

2239. Male. Washington, D. C. September 7, 1886; 11a. m. W. B. Barrows. 

Animal matter, 0 per cent.; vegetable, 70; gravel, etc., 5; indeterminate, 25. 
stomach almost empty. 

Contents. —One grape seed ; vegetable fiber finely divided; 2 or 3 bits of sand 
and gravel; fine mud-like material, not identifiable; no insects. 





APPENDIX . 


387 


2240. Male. Washington, D. C. September 7, 1886; 11a. m. F. A. Lucas. 

Animal matter, 10 per cent; vegetable, 80; gravel, etc., 10. Stomach about 
half full. 

Contents. —Grape seeds and skins, with a little pulp and much vegetable fiber; 
other vegetable material not identifiable ; 7 seeds of poison ivy ; small 
amount of gravel; a few insect remains. 

The grape seeds are undoubtedly those of cultivated grapes, as this bird 
and No. 2239 were shot near a vineyard, the owner of which complained of 
the great damage done by the crows. 

2698. Alfred Centre, N. Y. September 7, 1886. F. S. Place. 

Animal matter, 95 percent.; vegetable, 5; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than 
half full. 

Contents. —One stone of wild cherry and a very little fine vegetable matter, 
probably from the fruit of the same ; several grasshoppers and perhaps 
other insects ; no gravel. 

2242. Male. Shelter Island, New York. September 11, 1886 ; a. m. W. W. Worth¬ 
ington. 

Animal matter, 10 per cent., vegetable, 85 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —About 50 seeds of bay-berry or wax-berry ( Myriea cerifera ); hulls 
of corn or some other grain, with a few small bits of the grain ; a little 
fine vegetable material, not identified; remains of the legs of a small 
crustacean ; 4 small snail shells (marine); 2 vertebrae of small fish ; a few 
fragments of insects ; a little sand. 

4587. Male. Shelter Island, New York. October 1, 1886; a, in. W. W. Worth¬ 

ington. 

Animal matter, 25 per cent.; vegetable, 60; gravel, etc., 15. Stomach about 
half full. 

Contents. —Fragments of acorns or chestnuts, and, perhaps of some other seeds, 
but these mainly ; remains of a crayfish ; 4 or 5 minute bits of an insect; 
considerable sand, but no pebbles. 

4588. Male. Shelter Island, New York. October 1, 1886; a. in. W. W. Worth¬ 

ington. 

Animal matter, 0 per cent.; vegetable, 100; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than 
half full. 

Contents. —Remains of a dozen or more kernels of corn ; about 50 stones of 
bay-berry {Myriea cerifera)', a single stone of some wild Primus, probably 
the beecli plum (P. maritima); 3 small claw tips of a crab or crayfish, 
probably taken as gravel (?); no insects. 

2269. Female, adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. October 2, 1886 ; 3 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 2 per cent.; vegetable, 95 ; gravel, etc., 3. Stomach full. 

Contents.— Nineteen seeds of flowering dogwood ( Cornus florida)’, 17 seeds of 
bay-berry (Myriea cerifera ); bits of shell of chestnuts and large amount 
of chestnut “meat;” 8 vertebrae and other small bones of a small fish; 
minute bits of the shell of insects ; little sand and gravel. 

1439. Essex Junction, Vt. October 3, 1885 ; 10 a. m. Charles A. Davis. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 89. Stomach nearly 
empty. 

Contents. —Skin and pulp of a single fruit, perhaps a grape, but no seeds ; large 
quantity of sand and gravel; minute fragments of the hard parts of in¬ 
sects. 

1444. Winfield N. Y. October 4, 1885 ; a. m. O. P. Hitchings. 

Animal matter, 5 per cent.; vegetable, 5 ; gravel, etc., 85 ; indeterminate, 5. 

Contents.— A few bits of oats and perhaps other grain ; a mixture of finely 
pulverized vegetable and mineral matter, forming a fine black mud ; a 
large amount of sand and pebbles ; a few fragments of insects. 




388 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


2564. Female. Broadway, Queens county, N. Y. October 16, 1886; noon. William 
Du tcher. 

Animal matter, 18 per cent; vegetable, 75 ; gravel, etc., 7. Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Remains of acorns or chestnuts ; remains of insects ; gravel, in¬ 
cluding many bits of shell. 

1141. Adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. October 18, 1885. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 10 per cent.; vegetable. 75; gravel, etc., 10; indeterminate, 5. 
Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Fragments of acorns or chestnuts; about 50 seeds of poison su¬ 
mach ; remains of various insects; skin and pulp of a few berries. 

1515. Watkins, N. Y. October 20, 1885 ; 8.45 a. m. H. C. Griswold. 

Animal matter, 25 per cent.; vegetable, 25; gravel, etc., 50. Stomach about 
half full. 

Contents. —Fragments of seeds, one of which appears to be that of a squash or 
melon ; a little unidentifiable vegetable matter ; remains of insects : sand 
and gravel. 

3940. Male. Rockville, Conn. October 22, 1886. H. K. James. 

Animal matter, 60 percent.; vegetable, 35: gravel, etc., 5. Stomach full. 

Contents. —Remains of some large seed, possibly corn or beans of some kind; 
large quantity of insect remains, mainly grasshoppers ; small quantity of 
gravel, mostly bits of quartz, but one fair-sized garnet. 

4080. Male. East Hartford, Conn. October 22, 1886 ; noon. C. C. Hanmer. 

Animal matter, 2 per cent.; vegetable, 96 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach full. 

Contents. —Remains of acorns or chestnuts almost entirely, and mainly with¬ 
out any bits of shell; a small amount of insect fragments in very small 
bits; a few pieces of charcoal, and a very little sand. 

1460. Male. Redford, Mich. October 26, 1885; 7 a. m. (Killed over corn-field.) 

William J. Muldragh. 

Animal matter, 0 per cent.; vegetable, 99; gravel, etc., 1. Stomach about half 
full. 

Contents. —Mainly fragments of the pulp or flesh of some nut or berry, pos¬ 
sibly acorns ; 2 grape seeds; 3 small pebbles, no sand; no insect remains; 
no traces of corn. 

1201. Male. Washington, D. C. October 30, 1885; 4 p. m. Dr. C. Hart Merriam. 

Animal matter, trace ; vegetable, 89 per cent.; gravel, etc., 5 ; indeterminate, 5. 

Stomach well filled. 

• 

Contents. —Twenty or thirty kernels of corn in fragments ; 21 stones of flower¬ 
ing dogwood ( Cornus florida ): 125 seeds of poison ivy ; sand and gravel; 
and what appears to be fine mud ; no trace of insect remains. 

1202. Female. Washington, D. C. October 30, 1885 ; 4 p. m. Dr. C. Hart Merriam. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 94 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach full. 

Contents. —About 40 seeds of Virginia creeper ( Ampelopsis quinquefolia) ; 

about 50 seeds of grapes ( Vitis), at least 2 species ; about 20 seeds of poison 
ivy, 1 of poison sumach, and 30 more unidentified; pulps and skins of 
grapes and other fruit; bits of sea-weed, grass, and unrecognizable vege¬ 
table matter; a few bits of insects ; sand, gravel, 2 or 3 bits of mollusk 
shell, and single, worn claw of crayfish. 

1250. Female. Washington, D. C. November 14, 1885;. 11.30 a. m. Dr. A. K. 
Fisher. 

Animal matter, 8 per cent.; vegetable, 90 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach full. 

Contents. —Nine seeds of Virginia creeper ( Ampelopsis ); 12 stones of flower¬ 
ing dogwood ( Cornus florida ) ; fragments of about 5 kernels of corn ; a 
few hairs of a small mammal (probably mouse) ; 1 very small gasteropod 
shell; bones of the head of a small fish ; minute fragments of one insect. 

2301. Adult. Washington, D. C. November 7, 1886; 4.30 p. m. H. W. Henshaw. 

Animal matter, 10 per cent.; vegetable, 65; gravel, etc., 20; indeterminate, 5. 
Stomach full. 




APPENDIX.. 


389 


Contents. —Remains of acorns, chestnuts, and perhaps other seeds ; a single 
grape seed, and some hulls of corn or other grain, with much fine vege¬ 
table matter like saw-dust ; a considerable amount of sand and gravel; 
remains (fine) of many insects. 

1709. Male. Calhoun, Ga. November 28, 1885. R. Windsor Smith. 

Animal matter. 75 percent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 15. 

Contents. —Twenty-four seeds of poison ivy ; a small snake, 8 inches or more 
in length; a small snail (Helix); 1 very large spider; remains of many 
insects, constituting almost 40 per cent, of entire stomach contents ; 4 or 5 
pebbles ot the size of kernels of corn, and some sand ; a very little unde¬ 
termined vegetable matter. 

1518. Male. Watkins, N. Y. December 15, 1885; 4 p. m. H. C. Griswold. 

Animal matter, 12 per cent.; vegetable, 63 ; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach full. 

Contents. —Remains of corn, acorns, or chestnuts ; some other seeds too much 
comminuted to determine; numerous insect remains ; large quantity of 
gravel. 

4600. Male. Rockaway Beach, Long Island, N. Y. December 17, 1885. Jonathan 
Dwight, jr. 

Animal matter, 95 per cent.; vegetable, 0 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach nearly 
empty. 

Contents. —The animal matter of one or more shell-fish (apparently a mussel 
and a barnacle, as bits of shell belonging to these are also contained); a 
very little sand ; no insects. 

1269. Female. Washington, D. C. December 2, 1885; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 75 ; gravel, etc., 20; indeterminate, 4. 

Contents. —Fragments of 1 or 2 acorns or chestnuts ; large quantities of the 
“skin ” or hulls of grain, apparently of kernels of corn ; 30 seeds of poison 
ivy; large amount of sand and gravel; some vegetable fiber and mud; 
numerous but small fragments of the hard parts of insects. 

1297. Female. Washington, D. C. December 17, 1885; found dead. Dr. A. K. 

Fisher. 

Animal matter, 90 per cent.; vegetable, 2 ; gravel, etc., 8. Stomach about one- 
fourth full. 

Contents.— One cocoon of some insect, and 2 smaller cocoons, or egg-bags of 
spider; 12 or 15 small fragments of much-worn bone, perhaps taken as 
“gravel;” a few bits of vegetable membrane, apparently epidermis of 
some grain ; a very small amount of sand and gravel. 

1298. Washington, D. C. December 17, 1885; found wounded. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 5 per cent.; vegetable, 85 ; gravel, etc., 8; indeterminate, 2. 

Contents. —Remains of 3 or 4 kernels of corn and the hulls of many more ; 90 

to 100 seeds of common sumach, apparently Rhus glabra ; fragments of 
insects ; gravel and sand ; about 2 per cent of fine mud-like material, not 
determined. 

1299. Female. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 80; gravel, etc., 19. Stomach well 

filled. 

Contents. —Seven seeds of harmless sumach ; a large amount of vegetable mat¬ 
ter, part of which may be bits of corn, acorns, etc., but the bulk seems more 
like sea-weed ; a few fragments of the hard parts of insects ; a large amount 
of gravel and fine sand, with 2 or 3 bits of shell. 

1300. Male. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 0 per cent. ; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 10. Stomach well 

filled. 

Contents.— Fragments of corn ; 75 seeds of poison ivy ; 60 seeds of common 
sumach and 1 seed of grape ; gravel and bits of coal and brick ; no insect 
remains. 

* 






390 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


1301. Male. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, trace; vegetable, 75 per cent. ; gravel, etc., 24. Stomach well 

filled. 

Contents. —“Mast” (i . e., acorns, chestnuts and similar material), and large 
quantities of the epidermis of some grain, perhaps corn ; 68 seeds of poison 
ivy; large amount of sand, gravel, etc. ; minute fragments of insects. 

1302. Male. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 85 ; gravel, etc., 14. Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Fragments of many kernels of corn, and two entire kernels ; about 

15 seeds of common sumach ; 30 seeds of poison ivy ; sand, gravel, and 5 or 

6 good-sized bits of mother-of-pearl; a few small fragments of insects, and 
one insect nearly entire. 

1303. Female. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. Iv. Fisher. 

Animal matter 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 94 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —About 20 whole kernels of corn, and fragments of as many more ; 

7 seeds of grape ; about 60 seeds of common sumach ; 5 seeds of poison ivy; 
gravel, coal and sand ; a few remains of insects. 

1304. Male. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 5 per cent. ; vegetable, 70; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach about 

two-thirds full. 

Contents .—About 10 entire kernels of corn (without skins), and as much more 
in fragments ; 2 seeds of poison ivy ; gravel, and bits of coal ; about 5 per 
cent, of insect remains. 

1311. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 10 per cent. ; vegetable, 60 ; gravel, etc., 30. Stomach full. 
Contents. —Particles of wheat or corn, 3 or 4 kernels in all; 100 seeds of com¬ 
mon sumach ; remains of sea-weeds and other vegetable matter; remains 
of a few small crustaceans (perhaps isopods) ; fragments of mussel shell 
with parts of the mussel attached ; minute pieces of insects ; considerable 
sand, and many pebbles. 

1312. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. Iv. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 40 per cent. ; vegetable, 50 ; gravel, etc., 10. Stomach full. 
Contents .—One kernel of corn nearly entire, pieces of several more, and a 

large amount of hulls and other vegetable debris ; 20 or 25 seeds of harm¬ 
less sumach, apparently of two species ; remains of a small crab or cray¬ 
fish ; 10 or 12 small bones of a fish ; numerous remains of insects (grass¬ 
hopper legs, etc.), and pieces of myriapods; sand, gravel, and pebbles, 
with 1 or 2 bits of shell. 

1313. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw. 
Animal matter, 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 15 ; gravel, etc., 70; indeterminate, 14. 

Stomach full. 

Contents. —Seeds and gravel mainly, with a little mud and fine vegetable ref¬ 
use ; traces of insects in addition to 2 or 3 small beetles entire ; about forty 
seeds of common sumach, and about 80 of poison ivy; a few small bits of 
some grain, in all equal to about two kernels of wheat. Among the gravel 
was a small, worn, crayfish claw. 

1314. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw. 
Animal matter, 10 per cent. ; vegetable, 60; gravel, etc., 30. Stomach full. 
Conteyits.— Pieces of corn, perhaps 4 or 5 kernels in all ; bits of grass, hulls, 

vegetable fiber of various kinds, and considerable fine “ mud,” apparently 
all vegetable ; 6 or 8 pieces of the carapace of a crayfish ; fragments of mus¬ 
sel shell ( Unio ?); many small bones of common mouse ( Mus musculus ), 
with some of the teeth ; many fragments of insects, much comminuted ; 
sand, gravel, charcoal, and one or two imperfect snail shells. 

1315. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw 
Animal matter, 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 97 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well 

filled. 



APPENDIX , 


391 


Contents. —Mainly kernels of corn whole or in fragments, and the hulls of 
same ; bits of the shell of acorns and a few bits of the kernel of same ; 4 
seeds of poison ivy ; 1 seed of bind-weed ( Polygonum ?); about 100 very 
small, black seeds ; a very few fragments of insects; a very little gravel or 
sand. 

1316. Female. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw. 
Animal matter, 3 per cent. ; vegetable, 72; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach about 

half full. 

Contents. —A few bits of corn and hulls of same; pieces of grass and very 
fine vegetable d6bris, part of it apparently the shell of some bony seed; 
4 or 5 small beetles, and minute portions of hard parts of others; sand 
and gravel; small tuft of mammal’s hair, probably of cat or dog; frag¬ 
ments of one or more legs of crayfish ; eight or ten kernels of wild rice 
( Zizania aquation ); 2 unknown seeds. 

1317. Female. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw. 
Animal matter, 2 per cent. ; vegetable, 83; gravel, etc., 15. Stomach about 

three-fourths full. 

Contents. —Mainly pieces of corn and hulls of same ; 123 seeds of poison ivy; 
a little fine vegetable matter not determined ; minute pieces of the hard 
parts of insects; gravel and fine sand form about 15 per cent, of the en¬ 
tire contents. 

2528. Male. Washington, D. C. December 25, 1886. F. A. Lucas. 

Animal matter, 5 percent. ; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 25; indeterminate, 20. 
Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Remains of acorns, chestnuts, and similar material, in small pieces; 
about 20 per cent, of other vegetable material, similar in color, but like 
fine mud, and probably part vegetable and part sand; bones of a small 
fish, forming 4 or 5 per cent, of contents ; a single leg of some insect, and 
2 or 3 other minute insect fragments ; gravel, consisting mainly of mother- 
of-pearl and fine sand. 

4117. Female. East Hartford, Conn. December 15, 1886; 10 a. m. C. C. Hannier. 
Animal matter, 15 per cent. ; vegetable, 60; gravel, etc., 20; indeterminate, 5. 
Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Remains of acorns, both shells and “meat;” a few bits of thorn- 
apple ( Cratcegus ) but no seeds; bits of grass and finally divided vegetable 
matter; a considerable amount of fine, dark hair, probably of mouse; 
perhaps 5 per cent, of insect remains; a large amount of pebbles and 
sand ; about 5 per cent, of fine “mud” not determined. 

Results in Details of the Examination of Stomachs of the Fish Crow 

(Corvus ossifvagus). 

1332. Male. Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 5 per cent. ; vegetable, 93 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach full. 
Contents. —Eleven seeds of cat-brier ( Smilax glauca) ; 2 seeds of sour gum 

( Nyssa multiflora); a few bits of corn and many hulls, together with other 
fibrous vegetable matter ; 2 small masses of animal fiber, apparently flesh 
of some mammal; single feather, probably of chicken ; a very little sand, 
etc.; no insect remains. 

1333. Female. Washington, II. C. March 16, 1886 ; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 10 per cent. ; vegetable, 88; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach about 

half full. 

Contents. —Two or three kernels of corn, and hulls of more, with some other 
vegetable matter ; bone of some mammal (probably taken with gravel); 2 
or 3 feathers, kind not determined ; among the gravel was a bit of shell 
(of Unio?) and several bits of egg-shell (hen’s); no insects. 






392 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


1334. Female. Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 98 per cent.; vegetable, trace ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach about 

one-third full. 

Contents. —A mass of meat and sinews, doubtless carrion ; a very few small 
bits of coal and sand, and one or two bits of egg-shell (hen’s); a very few 
vegetable fibers, perhaps of grass ; no insects. 

1335. Male, Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 75 per cent. ; vegetable, 5; gravel, etc., 20. Stomach about 

one-third full. 

Contents. —Shreds of meat, and strips and small sheets of animal membrane; 
not identifiable, doubtless carrion; a few bits of grass and woody fiber; 
particles of sand and pebbles, and numerous small pieces of egg shell 
(hens), together with fragments of a mussel shell ( TJnio ?), and 2 small 
bones, apparently mammalian, but discolored and probably taken as 
gravel; no insects. 

1336. Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 5 per cent. ; vegetable, 75; gravel, etc., 5; indeterminate, 15. 
Stomach about half lull. 

Contents. —Mainly remnants of oats with the hulls, and corn in fine pieces; a 
little meat fiber; a few downy feathers; 3 or four unknown seeds; some 
sand and gravel and bits of egg shell (hen’s) ; no insects. 

657. Female. Immature. Sing Sing, N. Y. September 10, 1885; 6.30 a. m. Dr. 
A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 0; vegetable, 100. Stomach half full. 

Contents. —Fragments of oats, pieces of acorns or chestnuts; unrecognizable 
vegetable matter ; no traces of animal matter. 

2529. Male. Washington, D. C., November 1, 1886. F. A. Lucas. < 

Animal matter, 10 per cent ; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach about 
two-thirds full. 

Contents. —Seeds, pulp, and skins of about 20 poke-berries {Phytolacca decan- 
dra ) ; remains of two or three grasshoppers, and perhaps other insects; 
no gravel. 

2284. Male. Washington, D. C., November 1, 1886; 3 p. m. F. A. Lucas. 

Animal matter, 65 per cent.; vegetable, 30; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach well filled. 

Contents.— Five grape seeds, pieces of grape skins, many fragments of grass¬ 
hoppers (and otner insects?), a little sand, bits of egg shell, one scale from 
shell of tortoise, probably all taken as gravel. 

2302. Female. Washington, D. C., November 7, 1886; 4.30 p. m. H. W. Henshaw, 

Animal matter, 35 percent. ; vegetable, 65; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach well filled. 

Contents. —Seeds and skins of about 20 small grapes, apparently “ frostgrapes” 
( Vitis cor difolia) ; about 130 seeds of poke-berry {Phytolacca) ; heads, 
wings, and legs of several grasshoppers; no gravel or sand except one 
small piece of mica. 

2583. Male. Washington, D. C., November 19, 1886; 9.30 a. m. William Dutcher. 

Animal matter, 50 per cent. ; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach nearly 
empty. 

Contents.— Three seeds of poke-berry and one or more skins of same; 3 seeds 
of red cedar {Juniperus virginiana) ; no insect remains; no gravel. 

1310. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885; 4-05 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 

Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 96: gravel, etc., 3. Stomach about 
half full. 

Contents.— Two or three grains of wheat, and many fragments of this or other 
grain ; 2 seeds of Virginia juniper; many fragments of some black, bony 
seed, looking much like ground coffee ; 2 or 3 small “pin feathers” still 
inclosed in the sheath except at tip ; many small fragments of egg-shell 
(hen’s) ; a very little sand, and 1 bit of stone ; no trace of insect remains. 











APPENDIX . 393 


318. Female. Washington, D. C. December 25, 1885; 4-05 p.m. Dr. A. K. Fisher. 
Animal matter, 50 percent.; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 0. 

Contents .—Meat (probably carrion) ; 8 seeds of sour gum ( Nyssamultijiora ) ; 
4 seeds of flowering dogwood, 1 seed of grape, 5 seeds of hackberry 
( Celtis occidentalis ) ; 2 unknown seeds ; no gravel or insect remains. 









394 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


THE ENGLISH SPARROW. 


(Extracts from Bulletin No. 1, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Economic Ornithology 
and Mammalogy. Prepared under the direction of Dr. C. Hart Merriam. Ornithologist, by Walter 
B. Barrows, Assistant Ornithologist. J 


Relation op the Sparrow to other Birds. 

This is one of the most important branches of the sparrow investigation, and it is 
believed that the evidence collected and published herewith is ample for the final 
settlement of this much vexed question. More than a thousand original contribu¬ 
tions to our knowledge of this subject have been received at the department, and all 
the available published testimony has also been consulted, and selections from this 
have been printed. No pains have been spared in collecting evidence on both sides 
of the question ; and when it became apparent that a large part of the testimony 
which was coming in was against the sparrow, a special eft'ort was made to induce 
friends of the bird to come forward with facts or theories to offset this damaging 
evidence. As a result, a mass of testimony has been brought together which it is 
believed far exceeds in amount and value anything ever before collected, and it is 
now submitted to the public with perfect confidence that no candid reader will ever 
again deny that the sparrow molests our native birds, and in many cases drives them 
away from our gardens and parks. No one should be content to read simply the 
brief summary presented at this place, but should turn directly to the evidence itself, 
and satisfy himself that the case is as here represented. 

The nature of the evidence is such that it is impossible to summarize it satisfac¬ 
torily, but the following brief synopsis of matter contributed directly to the depart¬ 
ment will show something of its extent: 


Total number of original reports submitted.1,048 

In the main favorable to the sparrow,. J 08 

In the main unfavorable to the sparrow. 837 

Indeterminate, ... 43 


This would indicate that about one-fifth of the evidence submitted is favorable to 
the sparrow; but if we exclude from the evidence all of those reports which consist 
simply of the answers yes or no to the questions asked on the printed circulars, the 
percentage of favorable replies will be still further decreased. 

Two hundred and eighty-one reports were received which gave little or no evi¬ 
dence on this subject further than these monosyllabic replies, while the seven hun¬ 
dred and sixty-seven remaining reports gave illustrations of the hostile or peaceful 
relations of the birds, or at least mentioned some species which were not molested. 

Of these seven hundred and sixty-seven reports only forty-two are entirely, or 
even mainly, favorable to the sparrow ; seven hundred and twenty-five of them con¬ 
taining evidence unquestionably against the sparrow, and most of it of the most 
damaging kind. 

This estimate, therefore, which seems to us much nearer the truth than the first 
shows that about one-eigliteenth of the reports received are favorable to the sparrow 
as regards its relation to other birds, butit should not be inferred by any means that 
therefore, even one-eighteenth of the evidence is favorable. 

About one witness in eighteen has testified for the sparrow, but each juror must 
decide for himself as to the weight to be given to each piece of evidence. For our 
own part, after careful consideration of each bit of testimony presented, we believe 
that the proportion of one hundred to one against the sparrow is the most favorable 
estimate which any unprejudiced person is likely to make. 










APPENDIX. 


395 


List of Native Birds Molested by the Sparrow. 

The following table gives the names of species which the sparrow is reported to 
molest, and the number of such reports in each case: 


Reports 


Bluebird (Sialia sialis) . 377 

* Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) .1 

Robin (Merula migratoria) .182 

Hermit thrush (Turdus aonalaschkce pallasii). . 1 

Wood thrush (Turdus mustelinus) . 4 

Thrushes, species not indicated.14 

Golden-crowned kniglet (Regulus satrapa), ... 3 

Chickadee (Purus atricapillus), . 1 

Titmouse, species not indicated. 4 

Tomtit, species not indicated. 1 

White-bellied nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), . . 1 

Nuthatch, species not indicated. 1 

House wren (Troglodytes asdon) .64 

*Parkman's wren (Troglodytes cedon parkmannii), 1 
Carolina wren t Thryothorus ludovicianus). ... 6 

Bewick's wren( Thryothorus bewickii), .2 

Wren, species not indicated.116 

Brown thrasher (Harporhynchxis rufus), .... 8 

Catbird (Galeoscoptes carolinensis) .33 

Mockingbird (Minins polyglottos) .50 

Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), . 1 

Yellow warbler (Dendroica ccsiiva), .11 

Myrtle warbler (Dendroica cononata) . 1 

Warblers, species not indicated.15 

Red-eyed vireo ( Vireo olivaceus) . 2 

Warbling vireo ( Vireo gilvus), . 3 

White-eyed vireo (Vireo noveboracensis) . 1 

Vireos, species not indicated,. 9 

Cedar bird, cherry bird (Ampelis cedrorum), . . 4 

Purple martin, black martin (Progne subis), . i 65 

Martins, species not indicated.198 

Cliff swallotf, mud swallow (Petrochelidon luni- 

frons) .25 

Barn swallow (Chelidon erythrogaster), .24 

White-bellied swallow, blue-backed swallow 
(Tachycincta bicolor) .40 


* Violet-green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina). 1 

Bank swallow (Clivicola riparia) . 2 

Rough-winged swallow (Stslgidopteryx serri 


pennis) . 1 

Swallows, species not indicated.84 

Tanager, species not indicated. 1 

Indigo bird (Passerina cyanea) . 5 

* Painted iinch, nonpareil (Passerina ciris), . . 2 

Grosbeaks, species not indicated. 1 

Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) . 1 

Red bird, species not indicated. 11 

Brown towhee. species not indicated. 1 

Che wink (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) . 1 

Song sparrow (Melospiza fasciata), .26 

Chipping sparrow, chippy (Spizella socialis), . . 72 

Field sparrow (Spizella pusilla) . 2 

Tree sparrow (Spizella monticola) .5 


Reports 


Common sparrow, species not indicated.19 

Native sparrow, species not indicated.16 

Ground sparrow, species not indicated. 7 

Other sparrows, species not indicated. 39 

Savanna sparrow (Ammodramus sandwichensis 

savanna) . 

Grass finch, vesper sparrow( Pooccetes gramineus ), 2 

Grass bird, species not indicated. . .. 1 

Snowbirds (Junco sp. ?).13 

Gold Finch j 

Yellow-bird >(Spinus tristis), .32 

Wild canary J 

* Arkansas goldfinch (Spinus psaltria ). 1 

Red-poll (Acanthis linaria), .. 1 

Purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus), . 5 

House finch (Carpodacus frontalis) . 3 

Other finches, species not indicated.4 

Linnet, species not indicated. 1 

Purple grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), . 2 

Grackles, species not indicated. 5 

Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), .37 

Orchard oriole (Icterus spurius) . 4 

Orioles, species not indicated.10 

Meadow-lark (Sturnella magna), . 3 

Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phceniceus), . . 1 

Blackbirds, species not indicated. 8 

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) . 5 

Shore lark (Otocoris alpestris), . 1 

Blue jay. jay (Cyanocitta cristata) .36 

Crows, species not indicated,. 5 

Least pewee (Empidonax minimus), . 3 

Wood pewee (Contopus virens) . 1 

Phoebe (Sayornis phcebe) .as 

Great crested fly-catcher (Myiarchus crinitus ). . 1 

Kingbird \ 

Bee martin v Tyrannus tyrannus) .17 

Bee-bird 5 

B'lycatchers, species not indicated. 8 

Insectivorous birds, species not indicated, ... 5 

Song birds, species not indicated.31 

Hummingbird (Trochilus colubris) . I 

Chimney swallow or swift (Chcetura pelagica), . 3 

Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythro- 

cephalus) . 3 

Yellow-bellied woodpecker (Sphyrapicus varius ), i 

Sapsucker, species not indicated.2 

Downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens). ... 8 

Hairy woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) . 1 

Goldenwinged woodpecker flicker (Colaptes aura■ 

tus), . 3 

Woodpeckers, species not indicated,. 6 

Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), . . 1 


In addition to the birds specifically mentioned in the foregoing list, many other 
reports have been received alleging attacks on birds, but not mentioning the species 
so molested. Thus sixty-five reports mentioned molestation of “native birds;” 
forty-eight reports speak of “other birds” being driven off ; seventy-eight reports 
state that the sparrow molests or drives otf “ nearly all species ;” twenty-eight claim 
a similar effect on “all small birds ;” five claim the same for “yard birds,” and two 
for “ domestic birds.” 


Indicates species not found In Pennsylvania.—B. H. Warren. 



















































































396 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Ten observers report attacks upon domesticated doves or pigeons, and one each on 
hens and chickens. 

It will thus be seen that the reports mention specifically seventy kinds of wild 
birds which are known to be molested more or less by the sparrow. A majority of 
these birds are species which nest about houses and gardens, and, with the exception 
of the crow, jay, and possibly one or two others, all are decidedly beneficial to the 
farmer and gardener. 

Naturally the birds most affected are those whose nesting habits are similar to those 
of the sparrow ; that is, which nest mainly in boxes provided for them ; in cavities or 
cornices of buildings ; under the eaves of barns or outhouses, or in the natural cavities 
of trees. 

Thus, in a total of about 1,860 complaints, we find that more than half relate to 
martins, swallows, wrens and bluebirds, whose nests or nesting places are coveted 
by the sparrow. 

But in most places the sparrows since outgrew such accommodations and were 
compelled to build nests among the branches of trees, like other birds ; and at once 
such bulky nests as those of the robin, catbird, etc., were seized upon and utilized 
either as building material or as foundation for new nests. Thus new quarrels have 
been continually originating, and the sparrow has been steadily encroaching on the 
territory of other birds. Although a large part of the trouble with native birds has 
doubtless arisen from questions over nesting places, still there is abundance of 
testimony that the sparrow molests birds under other circumstances. 

Nearly one-third of all the complaints of injury to other birds relate to species whose 
nesting and food habits are very different from those of the sparrow, and whose 
relations with this bird might reasonably be expected to be peaceful and pleasant. 
Among such may be mentioned the mockingbird, chipping sparrow, song sparrow, 
goldfinch, Baltimore oriole, yellow warbler and vireos. Of course many of these 
birds, as well as those previously mentioned, offer more or less resistance to the 
advances of the sparrow, but in most cases the resistance is useless and the native 
birds are compelled to retire from the field sooner or later. 




APPENDIX. 


397 


♦ 


Contents of Stomachs of English Sparrows (j Passer domesticus ). 

[Examined at West Chester, Pa., by Dr. B. H. Warren, Prof. C. B. Cochran and Benj. M. Everhart.] 


Catalogue number. 

Age. 

Date of 
capture. 

I 

1 

Adult. . 

1879. 
Mar. 13. 

2 

do. . 

Mar. —, 

3 

do. . 

do. 

4 

do. . 

do. 

5 

do. . 

do. 

6 

do. . 

do. 

7 

do. . 

do. 

8 

do. . 

do. 

9 

do. . 

do. 

10 

do. . 

do. 

11 

do. . 

1880. 
Mar. 1. 

12 

do. . 

Mar. 3. 

13 


do. 

14 

Adult. . 

do. 

15 

do. . 

do. 

IG 

do. . 

Mar. 4. 

17 

do. . 

Mar. 12. 

18 

do. . 

Mar. 15. 

19 

do. . 

Mar. 22, 

20 


Mar. 5. 

21 


Mar. 6, 

22 


do. 

23 


Mar. 20. 

24 

. 

1879. 
Apr. 3, 

25 


Apr. 5. 

2G 


Apr. 9. 

27 


Apr. 25, 

28 


do. 

29 


Apr. 26. 

30 


Apr. 30. 

31 


do. 

32 


1880. 
Apr. 17. 

3'3 

.... 

Apr. 20. 

34 


Apr. 23. 

09 


Apr. 27, 

3G 


do. 

37 


do. 

38 


Apr. 29. 

39 


May 6. 

40 


do. 

41 


do. 

42 


do. 

43 

. 

May 7. 

44 


May 8, 

45 


do. 

4G 


do. 

47 


do. 

48 


do. 

49 


do. 

50 


do. 

51 


do. 

52 


May 9. 

53 


do. 

54 


do. 

55 


May 20, 

5G 


do. 

57 


do. 

58 

Young. 

May 23. 

59 


May 25. 

GO 

. 

May 29, 

61 


do. 

62 

. 

do. 


Cereals. 


Locality 


Chester co.. Pa. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


WestChester. Pa. 
do. 
do. 
do. * 
do. 
do. 
do. 

do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. . 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


O 


<T> & 


0 ) 

'o g 

a a 
& 


Insect 

food. 


1 beetle. 


Remarks. 


Apterous 

insects. 


Clover seed, 
do. 

Blades of grass. 

Clover seed, 
do. 

Blades of grass. 

Clover seed, 
do. 

Small black seed. 

White corn and 
small seed. 

Few small black 
seeds. 

Green vegetable 
matter. 

Blossoms of pear; 
seed of bitter- 
weed. 

Small seeds. 


Small black seeds. 
Small seeds. 

Small seeds and 
blades of grass 
Seeds of bitter 
weed. 

Small seeds, 
do. 

White corn. 

Buds of pear. 
Clover seed. 

Buds of haw tree. 
Small black seeds. 


Seeds. 

Small black seeds. 

White corn. 

Small seeds. 
Small black seeds. 


Buds of haw tree: 
few black seeds. 


Rye bread, 
do. 

White corn. 


X) 


















































































































































398 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Contents of Stomachs of English Sparrows— Continued. 




f 

Cereals. 




0) 

3 

ctf 















0) 

be 


GO 



01 

.0 







0) 

Si 



0) 

> 

6 

a 

o 



a 

Age. 

Date of 
capture. 

Locality. 



3 

£ 

9 



T 1 
<V 

c 

+-> 

0) 

CO 

SI 

O 

Insect 

food. 

Remarks 

0> 

a 

bo 

o 

3 

cs 

O 




Wheat. 

Oats. 

.2 

3 

a 

c 

<- 

o 

o 

-v 

a 

a 

9 

*-< 

£ 

| Grass seed 

| Weed seed 

Undetermi 

matter. 

| Bread, rice 

■e 

c 

rt 

K> 

■o 

3 

pa 





1880. 













63 


May 29, 

Westchester, Pa., 


* 





* 





64 


do. 

do. 


* 












1879. 













65 


June 8, 

do. 








* 






do. 

do. 











Stomach empty. 

67 


June 20, 

do. 

* 

* 









68 

Adult, . 

June 15, 

do. 







* 

* 



Ginger-bread and 















green vegetable 
matter. 

6'.) 

Young, 

do. 

1880. 

do. 








♦ 



Ginger-bread. 

70 


Sept. 4, 

do. 







* 

* 



Green leaves. 

71 


Sept. 5, 

do. 


* 










72 


do. 

do. 


♦ 









73 


Sept. 7. 

do. 


* 










74 


Sept. 13, 

do. 










1 potato 


75 













beetle. 



do. 

do. 










Flies. 


76 


Sept. 22, 

do. 








* 




77 


do. 

do. 








♦ 




78 


do. 

do. 





* 






Seed of fox-tail 

79 














grass. 


do. 

do. 





♦ 






do. 

80 


do. 

do. 





* 






do. 

81 


Oct. 14, 

do. 


* 









82 


Oct. 15, 

do. 


* 










83 


Nov. 13. 

do. 








♦ 




84 


do. 

do. 








* 




85 


do. 

do. 








* < 




86 


Nov. 17, 

do. 


* 










87 


do. 

do. 


* 










88 


do. 

do. 


* 










89 


do. 

do. 


* 

* 









90 


do. 

do. 


* 










91 


Dec. 2, 

do. 



* 









92 


Dec. 9, 

do. 


* 









Oats and barley. 

93 


Dec. 15, 

do. 


* 









94 


Dec. 29, 

do. 

* 













1881. 













95 

. 

Jan. 4, 

do. 


* 

* 









96 


Jan. 20, 

do. 



* 





* 




97 


Jan. 23. 

do. 

, . 

★ 


♦ 







Apple. 

98 

99 


do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

* 


* 








Orange-peel. 



1882. 













100 


July 8. 

do. 








* 




101 

102 


June 1. 
do. 

West Bradford, Pa. 
do. 

* 

* 

• • 

• • 








24 grains of wheat 

103 


do. 

do. 

. . 

, , 

* 

, 



* 




Small seeds. 

104 


do. 

do. 







* 

• 



Green vegetable 

105 


do. 

do. 











substance. 








* 




do. 

106 


do. 

do. 







* 




do 

107 


do. 

do. 







* 




do 

108 

. 

do. 

do. 







* 




do 

109 

110 


June 12. 
do. 

do. 

do. 











Stomach empty, 
do. 

111 

. 

do. 

do. 

. . 

. . 

* 


* 

. 

. , 




Clover seed. 

112 


do. 

do. 







* 

. 

. 

2 Hies ; 3 

Green vegetable 

113 

Nestling 

do. 

do. 










aptera. 

substance. 
Small mass of 

114 

do. 

do. 

do. 











cooked beef. 
Stomach empty. 














































































































































APPENDIX. 


399 


[Notes by Dr. B. H. Warren.] 

The various vegetable materials named in the records given on pages 397 and 398, 
are, with a few exceptions, included in the following list: 

Oats {Avena sativa). 

Wheat ( Triticum vulgare). 

Rye {Secale cereale). 

Corn, maize ( Zea Mays). 

Grass seed , Clover seed , Small seeds , etc., refer mainly to the following : 

Red clover ( Trifolium pratense). 

White clover ( Trifolium repens). 

Timothy {Phleumpratense). 

Bitter-weed ( Ambrosia artemisicefolia). 

Fox-tail grass ( Set-aria glauca). See(?s of other species of Setaria are also fed 
upon. 

Buds and blossoms were chiefly of the following kinds : 

Pear ( Pyrus communis). 

Plum ( Prunus domestica). 

Cherry ( Cerasus avium). 

Grape ( Vitis). 

Maple {Acer). 

Black Haw {Viburnum pr unifolium). 

In a few cases remains of the following vegetables were present: 

Lima Bean {Phaseolus lunatus). 

String Bean {Phaseolus vulgaris). 

Garden Pea {Pisum sativum). 

Numerous complaints are made by our citizens as to the destruction caused by 
sparrows to growing pea-vines. 





400 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


SOME NOCTURAL MIGRANTS. 


By Maj. A. G. Wolf, Keeper of Absecom Light-house, Absecom , Atlantic 

City, New Jersey. 


List of Birds Striking Lantern of Absecom Light House, Atlantic City, 
N. J., from August 22, 1889, to November 30, 1889. 


Name of Bird. 

Date. 

si 

c 

2 

T 

43 

go 

<H 

o « 

U 

9 

O 

a 

Birds Strik- 
i n g Lan¬ 
tern of 
Tower. 

Direction and force 

of wind. 

Weather.: clear, fog. 

rain, or snow. 

Number 

striking. 

Number 

killed. 

Sharp-tailed Finch. 

Aug. 22. 

11 p. m.. 

2 

0 

NW.. light, . . . 

Cloudy 

Small Beach Snipe. .. 

Aug. 23, 

10.55 p, m., 

6 

0 

v East, light, . . . 

* 4 

Red-eyed Vireo,. 

Sept. 18, 

8 p. m., 

43 

10 

W., NW., light. 

Rain. 

Blue Yellow-back Warbler, . . . 

4 4 4 4 

4 

1 

“ 44 

4 4 

Reedbird. 

‘ 4 

8.30 p. m.. 

6 

1 

4 4 4 4 

4 4 

Connecticut Warbler,. 

* ‘ 

4 4 4 * 

2 

2 

4 4 


Red-throated Woodpecker, . . . 

* * 

9 p. m.. 

1 

1 

NW.. light. . . . 


Red-eyed Vireo. 

* * 

11.20 p. m., 

4 

1 

4 4 4 4 

Cloudy. 

Blue Yellow-back Warbler, . . . 

• 4 • 

4 4 4 4 

5 

1 

4 4 4 4 


Cedarbird, .. 

4 * 

4 4 4 4 

1 

0 


4 ‘ 

Red-eyed Vireo. 

Sept. 19, 

3.15 a. m.. 

20 

7 


4 4 

Reedbird. 

* 4 

4 4 4 4 

5 

1 

44 


Yellow-shafted Flicker. 

4 • 

3.40 a. m.. 

1 

1 



Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 

• 4 

• 4 44 

2 

0 



Cedarbird. 

4 4 

4 4 

1 

1 

4 4 

4 • 

Maryland Yellow-throat. 

4 4 

4 

4 

1 

4 4 

4 * 

Red-eyed Vireo. 

4 4 

4 4 4 4 

3 

3 

4 4 

4 • 

English Sparrow. 

4 4 

4 4 

1 

1 

4 4 


Brown Trirush. 

4 4 

4 4 4 4 

1 

0 

4 • 4 • 


Olive-backed Thrush. 

4 4 

8.30 p. m.. 

2 

0 

West, light, . . 

4 4 

Blue Yellow-back Warbler. . . . 

4 4 

4 * 44 

5 

0 


4 4 

Connecticut Warbler. 

4 4 

4 4 

1 

1 

4 • 4 * 

4. 

Maryland Yellow Throat. 

4 4 

10.50 p. m.. 

15 

4 


44 

Reedbird. 

» 

‘ 4 44 

3 

1 

4 4 

44 

Black-throated Blue Warbler. . 

4 4 

4 4 

1 

1 

4 4 

4 4 

English Sparrow,. 

* 4 

* 4 

2 

0 

.4 4 . 

• • 

Scarlet Tanager. 

• 4 

4 4 4 4 

4 

0 


4 4 

Chestnut-sided Warbler. 

Sept. 21, 

9 p. m.. 

1 

1 

NW.. light, . . . 

Clear. 

Red-eyed Vireo,. 

4 4 

4 4 4 4 

7 

0 

4 • ~ • 


Maryland Yellow-throat. 

4 4 

4 44 

6 

1 

• . .4 

4 4 

Golden Crowned Thrush. 

4 4 

4 4 4 • 

2 

0 



Olive-backed Thrush. 


»• 

7 

1 



Creeping Warbler. 

4 4 

10.30 p. m.. 

1 

0 


4 4 

Connecticut Warbler,. 

Sept. 22, 

2.30 a. m.. 

1 

1 


4 4 

Catbird, . 


4 4 

2 

0 


» , 

Maryland Yellow-throat. 

44 

4 4 

7 

1 



Reedbird. 

4 4 

4 4 

1 

1 


4 4 

Olive-backed Thrush. 

4 • 

4 • 

3 

o 

• 4 4 4 

, 4 

Herring Gull. 

4 4 

4 4 

1 

3 



Maryland Yellow-throat. 

4 4 

10 p. m.. 

2 

0 


4 4 

Sharp-tailed Finch. 

4 • 

4 4 • 4 

1 

0 

• 4 

, , 

Red-eyed Vireo. 

4 4 

4 4 

13 

1 



Olive-backed Thrush. 

Sept. 23. 

2.30 a. m.. 

4 

1 

4 4 «• 

. 4 

Cedarbird,. 

• 4 

' 4 4 

1 

o 


, , 

Scarlet Tanager. 



1 

0 


* , 

Red-eyed Vireo. 


4 4 

10 

1 



Golden Crowned Thrush. 

4 4 

3.10 a. m.. 

O 

0 


. 4 

Blue Yellow-back Warbler. . . . 

4 4 * 


5 

1 

4 4 


Catbird. 


44 

2 

o 

4 4 4 4 ’ 


Red-eyed Vireo. 

Sep.. 24. 

9.50 p. m., 

2 

0 

E., NE., moder’e 


Maryland Yellow-throat. 

4 4 

4 4 

i 

o 



Small Beach Snipe,. 

4 4 

4 4 

3 

3 

4 4 


Red-eyed Vireo. 

Sept. 2(5. 

9 p. m.. 

7 

0 

NW.. light, 


Olive-backed Thrush. 

4 4 

44 

2 

o 



Maryland Yellow-throat. . . . 


4 4 

2 

o 

4 4 • . ‘ ' # 


Cedarbird. 

Sept. 27. 

1.30 a. m.. 

2 

0 



Red-eyed Vireo. 

4 4 

4 * 

25 

4 

4 4 4 4 


Olive-backed Thrush. 

4 4 

4 4 

3 

0 

4 4 4 4 


English Sparrow, . . . 

4 4 

4 4 

2 

0 



Yellow-shafted Flicker. 

4 » 

*• 

1 

o 

4 4 .. 4 4 4 


Beach Snipe. 

4 4 

» * 44 

1 

1 

•• * 































































































APPENDIX . 


401 


Noctural Migrants— Continued. 





Birds Strik- 

O 

o 



sii 

a 

in g 

LAN- 

Cm 

o 



TERN OF 




5 

Tower. 

•o 

a 

Najvie ok Bird. 


U 



a 


CD 

<M 

O 

.0.5 

.O'O 

si 

+-> 

• 


i 

& 

V 

S 

• o 

Hi: 

3-5 

HS 

O k 

3 ^ 

5 <t - 1 


0 

w 

** 

z* 

0° 

Red-eyed Yireo. 

Sept. 27. 

3.10 a. m., 

7 

l 

NW.. light, . . . 

Maryland Yellow-throat. 

i i 

4 » 4 4 

O 

0 

“ 44 ... 

Catbird. 

» • 

4 • 4 4 

1 

0 

“ 44 ... 

Scarlet Tanager. 

» 4 

9 p. m., 

2 

0 

NW., moderate, 

Olive-backed Thrush. 

4 k 

4 4 4 4 

3 

0 

4 4 4 4 

Maryland Yellow-throat. 

4 4 

4 4 4 4 

4 

0 

4 4 4 4 

Connecticut Warbler. 


• 4 4 4 

1 

0 

4 4 4 4 

Catbird. 


4 4 4 4 

2 

0 

4 4 4 4 

Cedarbird. 


11 p. m.. 

3 

0 

4 4 4 4 

Golden Crowned Kinglet. 

Sept. 29, 

10.30 p. m.. 

1 

1 

West, moderate, 

Creeping Warbler . 


4 4 4 4 

1 

0 

4 4 4 4 

Yellow-breasted Chat . 


4 4 4 4 

1 

1 


Yellow-rump Warbler, . 

4 4 

4 4 4 1 

5 

1 

4 4 4 4 

Blue-winged Teal (Duck) . 

4 4 

11.05 p. m., 

3 

3 


Red eyed Vireo . 

Sept. 80. 

2 a. m., 

14 

2 

SW., moderate, 

Reedbird. 


4 4 .4 

1 

1 

4 4 4 k 

Maryland Yellow-throat. 


4 4 4 4 

7 

1 

4 * 

Yellow-rump Warbler. 


4 4 4 4 

> 5 

0 

SW., light, . . . 

Olive-backed Thrush. 


3.25 a. m., 

4 

0 

Catbird . 


4 4 4 4 

1 

0 

* ‘ 4 ‘ ... 

Maryland Yellow-throat . 


4 4 4 4 

1 

0 

West, light, . . 

Black-throated Blue Warbler, . . 

Oct. 1, 

10 p. m.. 

2 

0 

Scarlet Tanager . 


4 4 4 4 

2 

0 

4 * 44 . . 

Connecticut Warbler . 


4 4 4 4 

1 

l 

. . 

Yellow-rump Warbler . 


10.30 p. m.. 

6 

1 

• • 

English Sparrow, . 


4 4 4 4 

3 

0 

NW.. light, . .’ .’ 

Golden-crowned Thrush. 

Oct. 2, 

2.30 a. m., 

2 

0 

English Sparrow,. 

4 • 

4 4 4 4 

3 

1 

0 

. . . 

Cedarbird. 



0 


Yellow-rump Warbler,. 

4 * 

4 4 .4 

5 

0 


Olive-backed Thrush. 

4 4 

4 4 4 4 

2 

0 

E., SE., light.’ ’. 

Little Gull (tern). 

Oct. 25, 

3.35 a. m., 

1 

0 

Maryland Yellow-throat. 

Oct. 28. 

9 p. m., 

14 

1 

West, light, . . 

Yellow-rump Warbler,. 

4 ‘ 

9.30 p. m., 

8 

3 


Catbird, . 

Yellow-rump Warbler. 

Oct. 80, 

3 a. m., 

2 

7 

0 

1 

1 

N., NW.. light,’ 

Olive-backed Thrush. 


4 4 4 4 

3 

West, light, . . 

Golden-crowned Kinglet. 

4 i 

10.50 p. m.. 

i 

1 

1 

1 

4 

0 

Maryland Yellow-throat, .... 



6 

’ 4 

English Sparrow. 

Beach Snipe. 

Nov. 18, 

11 p. m.. 

2 

5 

NW.. moderate, 

Yellow-rump Warbler. 

‘ * 

11.20 p. m.. 

2 

NW., light, . . . 

Catbird. 

Nov. 30. 

2 

0 


t* 

o 

Vi 


t- 



a) 5 

A 


IS 5 


Clear. 


Clm 


dy. 


Fair. 


Cle 


Clo 


udy. 


Clear. 


NOTE.—The foregoing is a copy of the report sent to the Department of Agriculture at Washington, D. 
C. December 5, 1889, and kindly given to me for publication in this volume by Major Wolf.— Warren. 


26 BlKD8 










































































402 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 


AN ACT 

Prohibiting the killing or taking of song and wild birds , except in certain cases , and 

providing a penalty therefor. 

Whereas, The wilful killing or taking of song and wild birds is the cause of 
great injury to the agricultural interests on account of the increase in noxious in¬ 
sects which would otherwise be destroyed by said birds ; therefore, 

Section 1 . Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Com¬ 
monwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met , and it is hereby enacted by 
the authority of the same , That no person in any of the counties of this common¬ 
wealth shall kill, wound, trap, net, snare, catch, with bird lime or with any similar 
substance, poison or drug any bird of song or any linnet, blue bird, yellow hammer? 
yellow bird, thrush, woodpecker, catbird, pewee, martin, bluejay, oriole, kildeer, 
snow bird, grass bird, grosbeak, bobolink, phoebe-bird, humming bird, wren, robin, 
meadowlark, nighthawk, starling, or any wild bird other than a game bird. Nor 
shall any person purchase or have in possession or expose for sale any of the afore¬ 
said song or wild birds or any part thereof, after the same shall have been killed. 
For the purposes of this act the following shall be considered game birds : The 
Anatidce, commonly known as swans, geese, brant and river and sea ducks ; the 
Rallidce, commonly known as rails, coots, mud-hens, and gallinules ; the Limicolce, 
commonly known as shore birds, plovers, surf birds, snipe, woodcock, sandpipers, 
tattlers and curlews; the Gallince } commonly known as wild turkeys, grouse, 
prairie chickens, pheasants, partridges and quail, and the Columbce , commonly 
known as doves and wild pigeons. 

Section 2. No person shall take or needlessly destroy the nests or eggs of any 
song or wild birds. 

Section 3. Sections one and two of this act shall not apply to any person holding 
a certificate giving the right to take birds and their nests and eggs for scientific pur¬ 
poses as provided for in section four of this act. 

Section 4. Certificates may be granted by the prothonotary of any county in the 
commonwealth to any properly accredited person of the age of eighteen years or up¬ 
ward, permitting the holder thereof to collect birds, their nests or eggs for strictly 
scientific purposes. In order to obtain such certificate the applicant for the same 
must present to the said prothonotary written testimony from two well-known scien¬ 
tific men certifying to the good character and fitness of said applicant to be entrusted 
with such privileges ; must pay to the said prothonotary the sum of one dollar to 
defray the necessary expense attending the granting of such certificates, and must 
file with the said prothonotary a properly executed bond in the sum of fifty dollars, 
signed by two responsible citizens of the commonwealth as sureties. This bond 
shall be forfeited to the commonwealth and the certificate become void upon proof 
that the holder of such a certificate has killed any bird or taken the nest of an}> bird 
for other than the purposes named in sections three and four of this act, and shall be 
further subject for each such offense to the penalties provided therefor in section 
seven of this act. 

Section 5. The certificate authorized by this act shall be in force for one year only 
from the date of their issue and shall not be transferable. 

Section 6. The English or European house sparrow ( Passer domesticus ) is not 
included among the birds protected by this act. 

Section 7. Any person or persons violating any of the provisions of this act, shall 









APPENDIX. 


403 


be deemed guilty of a misdemeaner, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail 
of not less than five nor more than thirty days, or by a fine of not less than ten nor 
more than fifty dollars or both at the discretion of the court. 

Section 8. In all actions for the recovery of penalties under this act, said penal¬ 
ties shall be paid to the county treasurer of the county where the offense is com¬ 
mitted. 

Section 9. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions 
of this act are hereby repealed. 

Approved— May 14, 1889. 



404 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 


(,A) Hooks, catalagues, pamphlets, periodicals, papers, lists, etc., from which quo¬ 
tations have been made in the preceding pages. 

Audubon.—The Birds of America | from drawings made in the United States j and 
their Territories | By John James Audubon | Philadelphia | J. B. Chevalier | 
1840-1844. 7 vols. 

Baird.—List of Birds found in the vicinity of Carlisle, Cumberland county, Penna., 
about Latitude 40° 12' N., Longitude 77° 11' W. By Wm. M. and Spencer F. 
Baird. Published in the American Journal of Sciences and Arts. Vol. xlvi, 
April, 1844. 

Baird, Brewer and Ridgway.—A | History | of | North American Birds J by | S. F. 
Baird, T. M. Brewer, and R. Ridgway | Land Birds | illustrated by 64 plates 
and 593 wood-cuts | Volume I [—iii], [Vignette] | Boston | Little, Brown and 
Company | 1874.. (Size 4to, pages about 1800). 

Baird, Brewer and Ridgway.—Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 
at Harvard College. Vols. xii and xiii. The Water Birds of North America. 
By S. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer and R. Ridgway. Issued in continuation of the 
publications of the Geological Survey of California. J. D. Whitney, State Ge¬ 
ologist, Boston. Little, Brown and Company, 1884. [Illustrated by numerous 
wood-cuts; pages 1104.] 

Baird, Cassin and Lawrence.—“ Baird’s Birds of North America.” 

Session? 8 ’. [ Senate ] E n'o D 78: \ — t Reports | of | Explorations and Surveys, | 
to | ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad | from 
the | Mississippi River to Pacific Ocean. | Made under the direction | of the Sec¬ 
retary of War, in | 1853-6, | according to acts of Congress of March 3,1853, May 31, 
1854, and August 5,1854 | — | Volume IX | — | Washington : | Beverley Tucker, 
Printer | 1858 | . Subtitled as follows: Explorations and Surveys for a railroad 
route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. | War Department 
| = | Birds: | by Spencer F. Baird, | Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institu¬ 
tion. | With the co-operation of | John Cassin and George N. Law r rence | — | 
Washington, D. C. | 1858. pp. i-lvi, 1-1005. 

Barnard.—A catalogue of the Birds of Chester county, Pennsylvania, with their 
times of arrival in spring, from observations annually taken for ten successive 
years. By Vincent Barnard, pp. 434—438. Smithsonian Report, 1860. 

Barrows.—U. S. Department of Agriculture. | Division of Economic Ornithology 
and Mammalogy. | Bulletin 1. | = | The | English Sparrow | (Passer domesti- 
cus) | in North America, | Especially in its relations to agriculture | — | Pre¬ 
pared under the direction of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Ornithologist. | By Walter 
B. Barrows | assistant ornithologist | — | Washington : Government Printing 
office, | 1889. | (pp. 405; with map showing the distribution of the English 
Sparrow in the U. S. and Canada at the end of the year 1886). 

Barrows—The Food of Crows. By Walter B. Barrows, S. B., assistant ornitholo¬ 
gist. From Annual Report U. S. Department of Agriculture, for the year 
1888. pp. 498—535. 

♦Committee, American Ornithologists’ Union.—The Code of Nomenclature | 
and | check-list | of | North American Birds | adopted by the American Orni¬ 
thologists’ Union | Being the Report of the? Committee of the | union on class¬ 
ification and | nomenclature | — | (Motto) | — | New York | American Orni¬ 
thologists’ Union | 1886. (8vo., pp. I—viii, 1-392). 

‘Elliott Coues. J A. Allen, Robert Ridgway, William Brewster, and H. W. Henshaw. 







APPENDIX. 


405 


Coues.—Key | to | North American Birds. | Containing a concise account of every 
species of living and fossil | bird at present known from the continent north of 
the | Mexican and United States boundary, inclusive | of Greenland and lower 
California, | with which are incorporated | General Ornithology; | An outline 
of the structure and classification of birds | and | Field Ornithology | a man¬ 
ual of collecting, preparing, and preserving birds | The third edition, | exhib¬ 
iting the new nomenclature of the American Ornithologists’ Union, and | in¬ 
cluding descriptions of additional species, etc. | By Elliott Coues, A. M., M. D., 
Ph. D., etc., etc. | Profusely illustrated | (pp. i-x, i-xxx, 1-895) | Boston(Mass). 

| Estes and Lauriat | 1887. 

Coues.—Department of the Interior. | United States Geological Survey of the Ter¬ 
ritories. | F. Y. Hayden, U. S. Geologist-in-charge. | Miscellaneous Publica¬ 
tions—No. 3. | Birds of the Northwest: | A hand-book | of | The Ornithology | 
of the | region drained by the Missouri river | and its tributaries. | — | By 
Elliott Coues, | Captain and Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army. | — | Washington | 
Government Printing office, | 1874. pp. i-xi, 1-791. 

Coues.—Department of the Interior. | United States Geological Survey of the Terri¬ 
tories | F. Y. Hayden, U. S. Geologist in Charge. | Miscellaneous Publications— 
No. 11 | — | Birds of the Colorado Yalley | a Repository of | scientific and pop¬ 
ular information | concerning | North American Ornithology | By Elliott 
Coues | — | Part First | Passeres to Laniidse | Bibliographical Appendix | Sev¬ 
enty Illustrations | — | Washington | Government Printing office | 1878. pp. 
i-xvi, 1-807. 

Davie.—Nests and Eggs | of | North American Birds | By Oliver Davie | Third Edi¬ 
tion, Revised and Augmented | Introduction by J. Parker Norris. | Illustra¬ 
tions (13) | by Theodore Jasper, A. M., M. D., and W. Otto Emerson. | — | 
Columbus | Hann A Adair | 1889. pp. 1-455, -i-xii. ' 

Everhart.—Miscellaneous Bird-notes (manuscript) relative to species observed in 
Chester, and neighboring counties, during a period of over sixty years. By 
Benj. M. Everhart, Botanist, West Chester, Penna. 

Fisher.—Food of Hawks and Owls, by Dr. A. K. Fisher, Assistant Ornithologist; 
from the Annual Report of the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the year 
1887. pp. 402-422. 

Graves.—Some Notes (manuscript) on species observed in Chester, Berks and ad¬ 
joining counties during a period of about fifty years, by Henry B. Graves, 
Geigers Mills, Berks county, Penna. 

Gentry.—Life Histories of the Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania, by Thomas G. Gen¬ 
try, | member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and of | 
the Canadian Entomological Society of Toronto. I — | In two volumes. Vol. 
1. | _ | Philadelphia : | Published by the author (H Smith, Printer) | 1876. 
Vol. ii. Salem, Mass | The Naturalists’ Agency. | 1877. 8 vo. Vol. I, pp. xvi, 
1-399. Yol. ii, 4p., pp. 1-336. 

Henshaw.—Report | upon | the Ornithological Collections—Made in portions—of 
Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona—during the 
years 1871, 1872, 1873 and 1874. | By H. W. Henshaw. | Gov. Printing Office. | 
Washington, D. C. | 1875. pp. 133-507. 15 colored plates. 

Krider.—Notes (manuscript) of certain Rare Birds observed in the vicinity of Phil¬ 
adelphia. By Joseph Krider, Philadelphia, Penna. 

Langdon.—Summer Birds of Northern Ohio Marsh. By F. W. Langdon. Journal 
Cincinnati Society Natural History, Yol. iii, 1880. pp. 220-232. 

Libhart._Ornithology of Lancaster county, by Hon. J. J. Libhart. Published in 

the History of Lancaster county, Penna. 1869. pp. 502-516. (An annotated 
list of 250 species.) 

Michener.—List of the Birds of Chester county, by Dr. Ezra Michener. Published 
in the History of Chester county, Penna. 1881. pp. 441-445. 





406 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Nel 9 on.- 4 f s J Congress, j. Se nate | »°f- | = | Report | upon | Natural History Col¬ 

lections | made in | Alaska | between the years 1877 and 1881 | by Edward W. 
Nelson. | — | Edited by Henry W. Henshaw. | — | Prepared under the direc¬ 
tion of the Chief Signal Officer. | — | No. iii. | Arctic Series of Publications is¬ 
sued in connection with the Signal Service, U. S. Army, | With 21 plates | — | 
Washington : | Government Printing office. | 1887. 337 pages. 4to. 

Nuttall.—A | Manual | of the | Ornithology | of the | United States and of Canada. | 
By Thomas Nuttall, A.-M., F. L. S., etc. | — | The Land Birds | — | — | Cam¬ 
bridge : | Hilliard and Brown, | booksellers to the university | — | MDCCC- 
XXXII. | 12mo. pp. vii, 1-683 ; 53 wood-cuts. [Vol. ii. ] The Water Birds | 

— | — | Boston : | Hilliard, Gray and Company. | — | MDCCCXXI V . 12mo. 
pp. vii, 1-627. Sixty-two wood-cuts. 

Ridgtvay.—A | Manual | of | North American Birds. | By Robert Ridgway. | — | Il¬ 
lustrated by 464 outline draAvings of the | generic characters | — j Philadelphia: 
J. B. Lippincot Company. | 1887. pp. i-xi, 1-631. 

Ridgway.—A | nomenclature of colors | for naturalists, | and | compendium ot use¬ 
ful knowledge | for ornithologists, | by Robert RidgAvay, | Curator, Depart¬ 
ment of Birds, United States National Museum. | With ten colored plates and 
seven plates | of outline illustrations. | Boston : | Little, BroAvn and Company. | 
1886. p. 129. 

Ridgway.—Natural History Survey of Illinois. | State Laboratory of Natural His¬ 
tory. | S. A. Forbes, director. | — j The Ornithology | of Illlinois | — | Part 1, 
Descriptive Catalogue, | by Robert Ridgway. | Part II. Economic Orni¬ 
thology, | by S. A. Forbes. | — | Volume I. | — | Published by authority of the 
State Legislature. | — | Springfield, Ill.: | H. W. Rokker, printer and binder, | 
1889. p. 520. [One full page colored plate (Sturnella magna ) and xxxii plates, 
xx of which contain numerous outline draAvings of the generic characters.] 

Samuels.—Our Northern and Eastern Birds, by E. A. Samuels. 1883. pp. i-iv, 
1-600. 

Townsend.—Notes on the Birds of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, by 
Charles H. ToAvnsend. Published in proceedings of the Academy of Natural 
Science of Philadelphia, 1883. pp. 59-68. 

Turnbull.—The | Birds of East Pennsylvania | and New Jersey, | by William P. 
Turnbull, LL. D., | author of the “Birds of East Lothian;” | member of the 
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia ; | of the Lyceum of Natural 
History, New York ; | corresponding member of the Natural History Society 
of Glasgow, etc. | [Illustration of Meadowlark.] | GlasgOAV: Printed for pri¬ 
vate circulation, [by A. K. Murray & Co.,] | 1869. 1 vol. roy. 8vo, pp. xii, 1-62, 

with 20 illustrations. 

Turner.— 49 }J t c s Jg e n S8 ’ [ Senate -j | = | Contributions | to the | Natural His_ 

tory of Alaska | — | Results of investigations made chiefly in the Yukon | 
district and the Aleutian islands | conducted under the auspices of the signal 
service, | United States Army, extending from May, 1874, to August, 1881. | 
Prepared under the direction of | Brig, and Bvt. Maj. Gen. W. B. Hazen, j 
chief signal officer of the army, | by L. M. Turner. | — | No. 11. | Arctic series 
of publications issued in connection with the signal service, U. S. Army. | 
With 26 plates. | — | Washington : | GoA^ernment printing office, | 1886. 226 

pages, 4to. 

Warren.—Report | on the | Birds of Pennsylvania. | With special reference to the 
food-habits, based | on over three thousand stomachs | examinations, | by B. 
H. Warren, M. D., | ornithologist of the State Board of Agriculture, etc., | 
illustrated with fifty plates. | — | Harrisburg: | Edwin K. Meyers,state printer, | 
1888. pp. i-xii, 1-260. 

Wheaton.—Ohio Geological Survey, Vol. IV, Section II. | — | Report on the Birds 
of Ohio, | by J. M. Wheaton, M. D. (Published about November 1, 1879.) pp. 
438, 8vo. 





APPENDIX. 


407 


Wilson.—American Ornithology | or | the Natural History | of the | Birds of the 
United States | illustrated with plates | engraved and colored from original 
drawings taken trom nature | by Alexander Wilson. | Published by Bradford 
and Inskeep, Philadelphia, | 1808-1814, 9 Vols. 

AVilson and Bonaparte.—American Ornithology; | or, j The Natural History | of the 
Birds of the United States, | illustrated with plates | engraved and colored from 
original drawings from nature, | by Alexander Wilson | and | Charles Lucian 
Bonaparte. | With a Sketch of the Life of Wilson, | by George Ord, F. L. S., | 
and | a classification of the genera and species of North American Birds, | by 
Spencer F. Baird, | of the Smithsonian Institution, | Vol. I, (II, III.) | Phil¬ 
adelphia: | Porter and Coates. | Date not given. (1871). 

TNote. Extracts were also made from different numbers of Bulletin Nuttall Ornithological Club, the 
Auk. Forest and Stream, and the Ornithologist and Oologist. likewise several papers prepared by the 
author, and published in annual reports of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture.] 


(B) Names of persons who have courteously sent the writer lists of species found in 
different counties of the commonwealth, or otherwise materially aided him in 
securing much valuable information concerning the avifauna of Pennsyl¬ 
vania. 

In June, 1889, the writer prepared a “Provisional List” of the Birds of Pennsyl¬ 
vania, with a view of learning the status of numerous species and subspecies which 
had been attributed by various observers (reliable and otherwise) to our fauna, and 
distributed the same to naturalists and collectors in all sections of the State. The 
following is a copy of the introductory page of said list (thirteen pages). About 
five hundred, with circular letters, were distributed throughout the commonwealth. 
Of this number between eighty and ninety were returned. Several which had been 
carefully revised, were unfortunately valueless as the senders neglected to give 
their names; a few persons marked the lists so as to render them unintelligible. 

Provisional list, including natives, permanent residents, spring and fall mi¬ 
grants, occasional visitants and “ stragglers ” or accidental visitants. Compiled 
by B. H. Warren, M. D., West Chester, Pa. 

The numbers following the common names refer to check-lists of Prof. S. F. Baird 
(marked B), published in 1858; Dr. Elliott Coues (marked C), published in 1873; 
Prof. Robert Ridgway (marked R), published in 1880; Dr. Elliott Coues (marked 
C), published in 1882, and that of the American Ornithologists’ Union (marked U), 
published in 1886, 

In addition to the different birds observed by myself, I have added a number of 
species which have been given in writings (published and unpublished) of differ¬ 
ent observers. This list has been prepared for gratuitous distribution among ornith¬ 
ologists and oologists who are respectfully requested to make such additions and 
corrections as their field experience will warrant. 

The following suggestions are offered to those who will kindly aid in the prepara¬ 
tion of an accurate list of the Birds of Pennsylvania: 

1. Mark with an * before the common names, the birds which breed regularly in 
your locality. 

2. Place the letter R after the common names of birds found in your locality dur¬ 
ing all months of the year. 

3. Indicate the birds which occur in your locality as spring and fall migrants, by 
the letter M. 

4. Birds which are found in your locality only during the winter season mark with 
the letter W. 

5. Place the letter Z after the common names of birds which occur in jmur locality 
as occasional visitants, and state if possible what month and year the species was last 


seen. 








408 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


6. Birds which you regard as “stragglers” or accidental visitants, mark with the 
letter S. 

Do you know of any wild pigeon ( Ectopistes migratorius ) roosts or breeding 
places in this state ; if so, where are they? Also state last authentic record of a wild 
pigeon roost or breeding place in Pennsylvania which is known to you. 

Do you know of any birds not mentioned in the following list which are found in 
Pennsylvania ? If so please name them and state by whom, where and when speci¬ 
mens were taken. 

Do you know of any birds named in this list which are erroneously included in 
our fauna ? 


(C) Local lists received and names of persons contributing the same to the author: 

Balliet, Dr. L. D., Du Bois, Clearfield county. 

Ball, Joseph Price, Frankford, Philadelphia county. 

Behr, Otto, Lopez, Sullivan county. 

Bolton, W. P., Liberty Square, Montgomery county. 

Bohn, J. G., Lebanon, Lebanon county. 

Brown, Hon. Gerard C., Yorkanna, York county. 

Duller, W. H., Marietta, Lancaster county. 

Burns, Prank L., Berwyn, Chester county. 

Camp, J. L., Herrick, Bradford county. 

Compton, Murat, Washington, Washington county. 

*Detwilier, Dr. John W., Bethlehem, Northampton county. 

Eldon, Charles H. (taxidermist), Williamsport, Lycoming county. 

Everhart, Dr. Isaiah F., Scranton, Lackawanna county. 

Fisher, W. P,, Fleming, Centre county. 

fFriant, George P. (taxidermist), Scranton, Lackawanna county. 

Galen, James, Rawlinsville, Lancaster county. 

Gehris, Milton D., Kutztown, Berks county. 

JGerner, Rev. A. H., Sing Sing, New York. 

Gillin, Thomas S., Ambler, Montgomery county. 

Green, J. F., Scranton, Lackawanna county. 

Greenlund, H. L., Warren, Warren county. 

Hark, O. B., Bethlehem, Northampton county. 

Hartman, Dr. W. L., Pittston, Luzerne county. 

Hazzard, Dr. T. Z., Allegheny, Allegheny county. 

Jamison, H., Manayunk, Philadelphia county. 

Johnson, Rev. Joseph, Frankford, Philadelphia county. 

Keller, D, Frank, Reading, Berks county. ' 

Ketchain, J. W., Minnequa, Bradford county. 

Kirkpatrick, H. C. (taxidermist), Meadville, Crawford county. 

Kocher, J. F., South Whitehall, Lehigh county. * 

Kock, Prof. August, Williamsport, Lycoming county. 

Larrabee, M. M., Emporium, Cameron county. 

Lee, Alfred P., Oxford, Chester county. 

Lilley, A. T., LeRoy, Bradford county. 

Linskill, David J., Plymouth, Luzerne county. 

Linton, G. W., Masontown, Fayette county. 

Loucks, Casper, York, York county. 

MacCrea, Dr. A. B., Berwick, Columbia county. 

Miller, George, York, York county. 

Moore, Dr. H. D„ New Lexington, Somerset county. 

Morris George Spencer, Olney, Philadelphia county. 

* Also notes relative to species in various parts of the state. 

t Also notes of species observed in Wyoming county. 

tList of species observed in the vicinity of Milford. Pike county. 









APPENDIX . 


409 


Nease, James S., Washington, Washington county. 

Neff, T. L., Carlisle, Cumberland county. 

Nelis, Justin, Dingman’s Ferry, Pike county. 

Overinoyer, S. S., New Lebanon, Mercer county. 

Paschal 1, S. Edward, Doylestown, Bucks county. 

Perry, George B., Brooklyn, Susquehanna county. 

Park, W. H., (taxidermist), Athens, Bradford county. 

Rees, W. G., Reading, Berks county. 

Rice, Mrs 31. H., Lahaska, Bucks county. 

*Ricksecker, Edmund, Nazareth, Northampton county. 

Riday, J. Wesley, Coatesville, Chester county. 

Ritchie, Mrs. William, Buffalo, Washington county. 

Robertson, Prof. J. R., Franklin, Venango county. 

| Roddy, Prof. H. Justin, Millersville, Lancaster county. 

Ross, George R., Lebanon, Lebanon county. 

Scroggs, Dr. G. A., Beaver, Beaver county. 

Sears, George W., Wellsboro’, Tioga county. 

J Sennett, George B., Erie, Erie county. 

Stern, Jonas, Kutztown, Berks county. 

Sterrett, Harry, Titusville, Crawford county. 

Stooy, W. AV. (taxidermist), Harrisburg, Dauphin county. 

Stone, Witmer, Philadelphia, Philadelphia county. 

Swayne, Win. 31., Kennett Square, Chester county. 

Teulon, James A., Bradford, McKean county. 

Thomas, S. S., Springville, Susquehanna county. 

Tingley, Dr. H. A., Susquehanna, Susquehanna county. 

Townsley, Robert, Trainer, Delaware county. 

Treichler, Dr. A. C., Elizabethtown, Lancaster county. 

Underwood, Hon. N. F., Lake Como, Wayne county. 

|| Van Fleet, Dr. Walter, Renovo, Clinton county. 

"Warrick, AV. T., Washington, Washington county. 

AA'ebster, 3f. J., 3fadisonville, Lackawanna county. 

Williams, Jr., H. AV., Scranton, Lackawanna county. 

Wilson, Harry, Gum Tree, Chester county. 

Wrenshall, R. C., Pittsburgh, Allegheny county. 

* With, also, notes of certain species found breeding in Monroe county. List and notes were received 
from Mr. E. Kicksecker, July 5, 1887. 

t List of species occurring in Perry county ; also notes concerning species observed in Centre and other 
counties. 

t Also list of species found in Crawford county. 

|| Also lists of Clearfield and Northumberland counties, and notes referring to species in several other 
counties. 







410 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


(D) Aided by the following-named members of the Pennsylvania State Board of 
Agriculture , the author was greatly assisted in being 'placed in communica¬ 
tion with reliable correspondents in nearly every county in the Commonwealth. 


Adams, 1. Garretson. Biglerville. 

Armstrong, Hon. Noah Seanor. Plumville. 
Beaver, A. L. McKibben, Green Garden. 
Bedford, S. S, Diehl, Bedford. . 

Berks, G. D. Stitzel. Reading. 

Bucks, E. Reeder, New Hope. 

Butler, W. H. H. Riddle, Butler. 

Bradford, R. H. Laning, Towanda. 

Blair, Frederick Jaekel. Hollidaysburg. 
Clarion, W. Shanafelt, Clarion. 

Chester, T. J. Edge. Harrisburg. 

Chester, Samuel R. Downing, West Chester. 
Centre. Dr. E. W. Hale, Bellefonte. 

Clinton, J. A. Herr, Cedar Springs. 

Columbia, Chandlee Eves, Millville. 

Crawford, J. B. Phelps, Conneautville. 
Crawford. Hon. Will B. Powell, Springboro’. 
Cumberland, C. H. Mullin. Mt. Holly Springs. 
Dauphin, G. Hiester, Harrisburg. 

Erie, J. C. Thornton, Avonia. 

Franklin. D. Z. Shook, Greencastle 
Indiana, W. C. Gordon, Black Lick. 

Jefferson, J. McCracken, Jr., Frostburg. 
Lackawanna, H. H. Colvin, Dalton. 
Lancaster, Calvin Cooper, Bird-in-Hand. 


Lawrence. Samuel McCreary, Neshannock Falls. 
Lebanon, C. R. Lantz, Lebanon. 

Lehigh, Dr. J. P. Barnes, Allentown. 

Luzerne, J. B. Smith. Kingston. 

Lycoming, P. Reeder, Hughesville. 

Mercer, Robert McKee, Mercer. 

Montgomery, H. W. Kratz, Norristown. 
Montour, J. K. Murray, Potts Grove. 
Northampton, A. D. Shimer. Bethlehem. 
Northumberland, John Hoifa, Milton. 

Perry, F. H. McKeehan, Ferguson. 

Schuylkill, J. T. Shoener. Orwigsburg. 

Somerset, Hon. N. B. Critchfleld, Quemahoning 
Sullivan, J. H. Lawrence, Dushore. 
Susquehanna, R. S. Searle. Montrose. 

Tioga, J. W. Mather, Wellsboro’. 

Union, J. A. Gundy, Lewisburg. 

Venango, Capt. A. Frazier, Cooperstown. 
Warren, Charles Lott, North Warren. 
Washington, John McDowell, Washington. 
Wayne, N. F. Underwood, Lake Como. 
Westmoreland, F. Y. Clopper, Greensburg. 
Wyoming, N. G. Bunnell, Vosburg. 

York, Dr. W. S. Roland, York. 




APPENDIX. 


411 


GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN THE PRECEDING 

DESCRIPTIONS. 


[These definitions are compiled from Robert ltidjrway’s Nomenclature of Colors, and Dr. 

Elliot Coues’ * Glossary.] 

A. 

Abdomen.—Belly; under surface of body from breast-bone to vent; bounded 
laterally by the sides, posteriorly by the vent or anal region and anteriorly by 
the breast. 

Abdo'minal.—Pertaining to the abdomen. 

Aber rant.—Deviating from the usual character. 

Acces'sory.—Joined to another thing ; additional (as an accessory plume). 

Accip'itres.—Plural of Accipiter ; also the name of a more or less artificial group 
of birds, including the so-called “ Birds of Prey ” or Raptores of some authors. 

Accip'itrine.—Hawk-like. 

Acu'minate.—Tapering gradually to a point. 

Acute'. —Sharp-pointed. 

Adult'.—Grown to full size ; mature (a bird may be adult as regards organization 
without being of adult plumage). 

Af'ter-shaft.—Properly, the stem of the supplementary plume springing from near 
the base of some feathers ; ordinarily, however, applied to the plume itself. 

Al'ar.—Pertaining to the wings. 

Alimen'tary.—Pertaining to the digestive organs. 

xVl'trices.—Birds reared in the nest and fed by the parents. With the exception of 
the Raptor es , some of the Steganopodes and Pygopodes, the Longipennes and 
Sphenisci , the young of the Altrices are born naked, or only partly clad. 

Alu'la.—“ Bastard-wingspurious-wing composed of several stiff feathers grow¬ 
ing on the so-called thumb. They are situated directly below the secondary 
or greater coverts, and collectively resemble a little wing. 

A'nal.—Pertaining to the anus. 

A nal region.—The feathers immediately surrounding the anus. 

Annular.—Ringed. 

Ano malous.—Very strange or unusual. 

An'seri ne. —G oose-like. 

An te.—Anterior to, or before ; as anteorbital , anteocular , etc. 

Ante rior.—Forward ; in front of. 

Antrorse.—Directed forward, as the nasal tufts of most jays and crows, and the 
rectal bristles of many birds. 

A'nus.—Outlet of refuse of digestion. In birds the same orifice discharges the pro¬ 
ducts of the genito-urinary organs. 

A pex.—Tip or point of anything. 

Aquat'ic.— Pertaining to the water; said of birds frequenting water, and thence 
drawing subsistence. 

Arbo'real.—Tree-inhabiting. 

Ash or Ash'y.—Pale gray. 

Atten'uate.—Tapering or gradually growing narrower toward the extremity, but 
not necessarily pointed or acuminate. 

Auric'ular.—Pertaining to the ear. 

Auric ulars._Ear-coverts. The (usually) well-defined feathered area which con¬ 

ceals the ears in birds. 


Hist. N. Am. B, Vol. Ill, pp. 535-560. 












t> 412 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Autum'nal Plu'mage.—The full dress of the autumn. In most birds it remains 
essentially unchanged till the spring moult. In many species the young pos¬ 
sess a peculiar autumnal plumage (assumed by the first moult) which differs 
not only from their first livery but also from that of adults at the same season. 
In such, the adult or mature plumage may be completely assumed at the next 
moult, or it may be gradually acquired by successive moults, as in the case 
of many Orioles ( Icteridce ), Tanagers and other bright-colored Passerine 
grdups. 

A'vis.—Plural aves. Bird. 

Av'ian Fauna, > 

Avi-fauna s The k* r( *-lif e of a particular country or locality. 

Ax'illa.—Armpit. 

Ax'illar. i 

Ax'illary. \ Pertaining to the armpit. 

Ax'illaries. ) The (generally) soft and lengthened feathers growing from the arm. 

Ax'illares. $ pit. 


B. 


Back.—Dorsum. In descriptive ornithology, usually includes the scapulars and 
interscapulars, but should properly be restricted to the latter alone. 

Back of Neck.—Cervical region. Includes Nucha and Cervix (which see). Equiv¬ 
alent to hind-neck. 

Band.—Any crosswise color-mark, transverse to the long axis of the body. A 
broad band is usually called a zone. 

Band ed or Barred.—Marked with bands or bars. 

Barb.—Any one of the laminae composing the web of a feather. 

Barb ed.-Furnished with barbs ; bearded. 

Base.'—Bottom ; root; origin. 

Ba sal.—Pertaining to the base. 

Bay.—A very rich dark reddish chestnut. 

Beak.—Bill. 

Bel'ly.—See abdomen. 

Belt.—A broad band of color across the breast or belly. (Distinguished from zone 
in that the latter may cross the wings or tail.) 


Binomial. 

Bino'minal 


Belt'ed.—Marked with a broad band of color across the lower part of the body, as 
in the Belted Kingfisher. — 

Bend of Wing.— Angle or prominence formed at the carpus (wrist-joint), in the 
folded wing. 

Bev'y.—A flock of quails or partridges. 

Bi -colored.—Two-colored. 

( Two-nained, or, more properly named by two terms. The binomi¬ 
nal system of nomenclature , instituted in 1758 by Linnaeus, and 
^ adopted by zoologists and botanists, promulgates the use of two 
terms as the name of each species—the first generic, the second 
specific. 

Boot.—In birds, the tarsal envelope, when entire. 

Boot'ed.—A booted tarsus has the usual scales fused so as to form a continuous or 
uninterrupted covering. The tarsus of the smaller thrushes and American 
Robin ( Merula migratoria ) well illustrate this character. 

Boreal.—Northern. 

Breast.—Anterior portion of lower part of trunk, between jugulum and abdomen ; 
properly, the region overlying and containing the breast-bone, but generally 
restricted to the more forward swelling portion of each region. 

Bris'tle.—Small, stiff, hair-like feather, especially about the mouth or eyes, but 
sometimes on other portions of the plumage also. 

Buff or Buffy.—Pale brownish-yellow ; color of yellow buckskin. 








APPENDIX. 


413 


c. 

Capi'tal.—Pertaining to the head. 

Cap'itate. —A capitate feather has the end enlarged. 

Carniv’orous.—Flesh-eating. 

Car'mine.—A very pure and intense crimson. The purest of the cochineal colors. 

Car'pal. —Pertaining to the carpus , or wrist. 

Car'pus. —The wrist. In a bird the space between the bend ( flexura ) and the 
hand-joint of the wing. 

Car'uncle.—Small llesliy excrescence, usually about the head or neck (as in Tur¬ 
key Buzzard, Wild Turkey, etc.,) generally naked, and wrinkled, warty, or 
brightly colored. 

Carun'culated —Having caruncles. 

Cau da. —The tail. 

Cau'dal.—Pertaining to the tail. 

Cere. —The naked skin or membrane in which the nostrils are situated, common in 
most birds of prey (Baptores) and many of the Parrot-tribe ( Psittaci ), as 
well as the Pigeons (Columbce), and some other groups. It usually has a more 
or less distinct line of demarcation anteriorly (except in the Pigeons). 

Cer vical.—Pertaining to the hind-neck or cervix. 

Cer'vix.—The hind-neck ; from occiput to the commencement of back, including 
the nape and scruff. 

Char'actor.—Any material attribute susceptible of definition for use in description 
and classification. Also, a sum of such attributes, as, of passerine character. 

Cheek. —An arbitrary sub-division of the side of the head, differently employed by 
various writers, but usually corresponding to the malar region, or tne feathered 
portion of the lower jaw. 

Chest nut.—Rich dark reddish brown color, of a slightly purplish cast 

Chin.—The most anterior point of the gular region, or the space between forks of 
lower jaw. 

Cine'reous.—Ash-gray; a clear bluish gray color, lighter than plumbeous (lead- 
color). 

Cir cular.—Of a rounded shape. 

Class.—A primary division of animals, as the class of Birds (Class Aves). 

Classifica tion.—Systematic arrangement. 

Claw.—The horny, pointed, and compressed sheath of the terminal phalanx of the 
toe. 

Clutch.—Nest-complement of eggs. 

Col'lar.—A ring of color around neck. 

Colora tion.— Pattern or mode of coloring, or the colors of the plumage collectively. 

Commis'sural.—Pertaining to the commissure. 

Com'inissure.—The outlines of the closed bill, or the opposed edges of the mandi¬ 
ble and maxilla. 

Compress ed.—Narrowed sideways ; higher than wide. 

Con fluent.—Run together. 

Coniros'tral.—Having a conical bill, like that of a finch or sparrow. 

Cord ate. ) Heart-shaped. 

Cord'iform. S 

Cornu.—Horn. 

Coro na.— 1 Top of head. Equivalent to cap or pileus. Vertex is the highest point of 
corona. 

Cor rugate. ) Wrink i e d. 

Cor'rugated. 5 

Co vey.— A family (or brood with or without their parents) of quails or other game¬ 
birds. 

Cream Color.— A light pinkish yellow color, like cream. 




414 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


Crepuscular.—Pertaining to twilight. (Crepuscular birds are those w r hich become 
active after sunset.) 

Cres'cent,.—A figure having the shape of a new moon. 

Crescent'ic.— Shaped like the new moon. 

Crest.—A more or less lengthened, erectile, or permanently erect, tuft of feathers 
on top of the head. 

Crest'ed. — Having a crest, as the Blue Jay. 

Crim'son.—Blood-red ; the color of the cruder sorts of carmine. 

Cris'sum.—A term usually applied to the lower tail-coverts collectively, but prop¬ 
erly belonging to the feathers situated between the lower tail-coverts and the 
anal region. 

Cris'sal.—Pertaining to the crissum. 

Crown.—Pileus, top of head, especially the vertex. 

Cul'men.—Ridge of maxilla or upper mandible. 

Cul'minal.—Pertaining to the culmen. 

Cu'neate. \ Wedge-shaped. A cuneate tail has the middle feathers longest, the 

Cu'neiform. S rest successively regularly shorter. 


D. 

Deciduous.—Temporary ; falling early. The dorsal plumes of the egret are decid¬ 
uous. 

Decompos ed.—Separate; standing apart. A decomposed crest has the feathers 
standing away from each other. 

Decum bent.—Drooping or hanging downward. 

Decurved'.—Gradually curved downward. Opposed to recurved. 

Deglutition.—Act of swallowing. 

Den tate.—Toothed. 

Depressed.—Flattened vertically; broader than high. Opposite of compressed. 

Diagno'sis.—A condensed statement of the characters which are exclusively ap¬ 
plicable to a species, genus, or higher group; a description which omits all 
non-essential characters, 

Digitus.—Digit Finger or toe. 

Disc. £ Set of radiating feathers surrounding the eye in some birds, especially the 

Disk. ) owls. 

Dis'tal.—Remote ; situate at or near an extremity ; opposite to proximat. 

Diur'nal.—Pertaining to the daytime. Among birds, those which are active during 
the daytime and repose at night. ( Many diurnal birds, however, are nocturnal 
in their migrations. 

Dor'sal.—Pertaining to the back. 

Dor'sum.—Back ; upper surface of trunk from neck to rump. 

Double-rounded. ) A doubly-forked tail has the middle and lateral feathers decid- 

Doubly-rounded. S edly longer than those between. 

Down.—Small soft decomposed feathers, which clothe the nestlings of many birds, 
and which also grow between and underneath the true feathers in the adults 
of many others, especially the various kinds of water-fowl. 

Drab.—A brownish gray color. 

Dusk'y.—Of any indefinite dark color. 


E. 

Ear-cov'erts.—The usually well-defined tract of feathers oveiyling the ears of most 
birds. The ear-coverts (or auriculars , as they are usually termed in descrip¬ 
tions) are bounded above by the backward extension of the supercilium, or 
lateral portion of the crown, posteriorly by the occiput and nape, below by the 
malar region or “cheeks,” and anteriorily by the suborbital region. Same as 
auriculars. 




APPENDIX. 


4X5 


Ear'ed.—Having lengthened or highly colored auricular or other feathers on the 
side of the head. 

Ear-tufts.—Erectile tufts of elongated feathers springing from each side of the crown 
or torehead, and presenting a close superficial resemblance to the external ears 
of many mammalia. They are especially characteristic of certain ow r ls. 
( Strigidce ). 

Edg'ed.—Having the edge or lateral margin of a different color. 

Edge of wing.—The anterior border of the wing, from the armpit to the base of the 
outer primary. 

Ei'evated.—Said of the hind toe when inserted above the level of the others. 

Elon gate.—Lengthened beyond the usual ratio. 

( An emarginate tail has the middle feather shortest, the rest suc- 

Emarg'inate. ] cessively a little longer; hence our emarginate tail is very 

Emarg'inated. j slightly forked. An emarginate quill has the web suddenly nar- 
^ rowed by an abrupt cutting away of the edge. 

Excres'cence.—Outgrowth, fleshy, or cutaneous. 

'Ey've } 

J , . * > The nest of a bird of prey, especially an eagle. 


F. 


Fa cial. —Pertaining to the face. 

Fal'cate. —Sickle-shaped ; scythe-shaped. 

Fam ily.—A systematic group in scientific classification, embracing a greater or less 
number of genera w hich agree in certain characters not shared by other birds 
of the same Order. In rank, a Family stands between Order and Genus , the 
former being composed of a greater or less number of nearly related families. 
In zoological nomenclature the name of a Family is taken from a typical Ge¬ 
nus, the name of which is modified by the termination idee ; as Falconidce , Co- 
lumbidce , etc. Subfamilies are distinguished by the termination ince. 

Fau'na. —The animal-life of a country or locality. 

Ferrugin eous. £ R us ty. r ed ; like color of iron-rust. 

Ferruginous. ‘ 

Fil ament.—A slender or thread-like fibre. 

Flanks—The most posterior feathers of sides. 

Fore'head. ) j? ron ^ G f head from bill to crown. 

Front. S 

Fore'neck.—A rather indefinite and arbitrary term, variously applied, but usually 
referring to the lower throat and jugulum, though not infrequently to the 
whole of the space included by the chin, throat and jugulum. In long-necked 
birds only does the term become of definite application. 

Form.— In a special sense, a sort of non-committal term frequently used by modern 
writers to designate what is of doubtful rank. The term “form” is thus used 
lor what may prove to be a species, or may be only a race, but as to the rank 
of which the author is in doubt. 

Fos sa._A ditch or groove. Used chiefly in the plural ( Fossce ) to denote the pits or 

grooves in which most birds’ nostrils open. 

Fos ter parent.— A bird which has reared the young of a parasitic species. 

Front'al.—Pertaining to the forehead. 

Frugiv'orous. —Fruit-eating. 

Fulig'inous. —Sooty brown, or dark smoke-color. 

Ful vous.— Of a brownish-yellow color ; tawny. 

Fur'ca* e— Forked. 

Fus'cous.— Dark-brown, of a rather indefinite . 






416 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


G. 

Gallina'ceous.—Belonging to the Order Oallineoe ; having the nature of the domes¬ 
tic fowl. 

Gape.—The opening of the mouth. 

Gastrae'um.—The whole under part of a bird. 

Gen'era.—Plural of Genus. 

Gener'ic.—Pertaining to a Genus. 

Ge'nus.—An assemblage of species, or a single species, constituting a taxonomic 
group of value next below that of the family. 

Gib bous. \ Swollen » protuberant. 

Gibbos'ity.—A swelling or protuberance. 

Glaucous.—A whitish-blue color, like the “ bloom ” of a cabbage-leaf. 

Go'nys.—The keel or lower outline of the maxilla or lower mandible, from the tip 
to the poiut where the rami begin to diverge. 

Gorg'et.— Throat-patch, distinguished by color or texture of the feathers. 


A graduated tail has the middle feathers longest, the rest succes¬ 
sively shorter; the difference in length not so great, however, 
as in a cuneate tail. 

» An arbitrary and artificial group of the older classifications, in- 
• eluding the wading birds. 

-Seed-eating. 

The most posterior series of wing-coverts, or those which 
immediately overlay the base of the secondaries ; hence 
often very appropriately called Secondary coverts. 
Ground-color (in oology ).—The color of the general surface of the egg-shell, as dis¬ 
tinguished from its markings. 

Gu la.—The throat. 

Gu lar.—Pertaining to the throat. 

Gut'tate.—Drop-shaped or tear-shaped. 


Grad uated. ( 
Grad'uate. ) 

Grallato'res. 
Grallato'rise. 
Graniv'orous. 

Greater Coverts. 
Greater Wing-coverts. 


H. 


Hab'itat.—Locality or region frequented by a species; its geographical distribution. 

Hal'lux.—In birds possessing four toes, the hinder one is the hallux, no known bird 
having four toes directed forwards. In some birds, as certain plovers, the bus¬ 
tards ( Otididce )*, the Struthiones, etc., the hallux or hind toe is wanting. In three¬ 
toed birds having two toes in front and one behind, the hallux is usually the 
one wanting, the hind toe being in reality the fourth (or outer) toe reversed. 
When the toes are in pairs (two before and two behind) the hallux is usually 
the inner of the hinder pair, the exception being in the Trogans ( Trogonidce). 
The hallux reaches its best development in the Passers , the Accipitres , Striges, 
and Rallidce , but more especially in the first, in which it is usually as strong, 
if not stronger, than the largest of the anterior toes. 

Has tate.—Spear-head shaped. 

Ha'zel.—An orange-brown color, like the shell of a hazel-nut or filbert. 

Hel met.—A naked shield or protuberance on the top or fore part of the head. 

Herodio'nes.—A natural group of altricial warders, embracing the storks, wood- 
ibises, spoonbills, boatbills and herons. 

Hind-neck.—Crevix. 

Hoar y.—Of a pale silvery-gray. 

Hood/ed.—Having the head conspicuously different in color from the rest of the 
plumage. 

Hor'notine.—Yearling ; a bird ot the year. 

Hu'merus.—The upper arm bone ; or, the whole ot the upper arm. 

Hy'brid.—Cross between two species; mongrel. 

Hy'oid.—Properly, pertaining to the os hyoides , or tongue bone, but frequently 
applied with reference to the tongue itself. 



APPENDIX. 


417 


i. 

Identifica tion. —The determination of the species to which a given specimen 
belongs. 

lm'bricated.— Fixed shingle-wise with over-lapping edge or end. 

Im mac'u late.— U ns potted. 

Immature'. —Not adult. 

Incised'.— Cutout; cutaway. 

lncuba'tion.— The act of sitting on eggs to hatch them. 

Indig enous.— Native of a country. 

Insectiv'orous. —Insect eating. 

Interorb'ital. —Between the eye-sockets. 

Interscap'ular. —Between the shoulders, 
lnterscap'ulars.— Feathers of the back. 

Irides'cent. —Glittering with many colors, which change in different lights. 

I'ris. —Colored circle of the eye around the “dark spot” or pupil. 

J. 

Jug'ular.— Pertaining to the jugulum. 

Jug'ulum.— Lower throat; lower foreneck. 


L. 

La'bel.—Card, ticket or similar slip of paper, parchment, etc., affixed to an object 
giving written information respecting it. 

Lake Red.—A purplish red color, not so intense as crimson. 

Lam ina—A thin plate or scale. 

Lan ceolate.—Lance-shaped ; tapering narrowly at one end, less so at the other. 
Lav'ender.—A very pale purplish color, paler and more delicate that lilac. 

Lead-col' or. —PI umbeous. 

Leg.—As generally used, synonymous with tarsus; as “legs and feet”=tarsi and 
toes. 

Les'ser Wing-cov'erts.—The smaller wing-coverts, forming a more or less well de¬ 
fined tract immediately anterior to the middle coverts, and thence to the an¬ 
terior border of the inner-wing. 

Li'lac.—A light purple color, like the flowers of the lilac. 

LimicoTse.—A group of sliore-waders, as plover, snipe, etc. 

Lin ear.—Narrow, with straight parallel edges ; line-like. 

Li'ning of the Wing.—The under w ing-coverts, especially the lesser and middle. 

Lo’bate. ) Furnished with membraneous flaps (said chiefly of toes). 

Lobed. ) 

Lobe—Membraneous flap. 

Longipen'nes.—A group of long-winged swimming birds, formally embracing the 
gulls and their allies, and the Pro cell ariidw petrels, albatrosses, and fulmars), 
but properly restricted to the Laridce , Rhynchopidai and Stercorariuloe. 
Longitud inal.—Running lengthwise, or in the direction of the antero-posterior 
axis of the body. 

Lo'ral.—Pertaining to the lores. 

Lore.—Space between eye and bill. 

Low'er Parts.—The entire under surface, from chin to the crissum, inclusive. 

Low er Tail-cov'erts.—Feathers immediately under the tail. 

M. 

Mac'ulate.—Spotted. 

Mad'der Brown.—A very rich reddish-brown color, more purplish than burnt 
sienna. 

Ma la.—Basal portion of outside of lower jaw, usually feathered. 

Ma lar.—Pertaining to the mala. 

27 Birds. 







418 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Ma'lar Re gion.—The side of the lower jaw behind the horny covering ot the 
mandible, usually feathered. In most birds it is a well-defined tract, extend¬ 
ing backward from tho base of the maxilla, beneath the lores, orbits, and 
aurieulars, and bounded beneath by the chin and throat. 

Man'dible.— Properly the under jaw, the upper being maxilla. 

Manuibu'lar.—Pertaining to the lower jaw. 

Man'tle.—In certain Laridce and some other birds, the mantle is that portion of the 
upper plumage distinguished by the other parts of a peculiar and uniform 
color, suggesting, by its position, a mantle thrown over the body. It usually 
includes simply the back, scapulars, and wings and the term is perhaps ap¬ 
propriate only when thus restricted. 

Marine'.—Pertaining to the sea. 

Margined.—Narrowly bordered with a different color. 

Maroon'.—A. rich brownish crimson ; claret color. 

Mask ed.—Having the anterior portion of the head colored differently, in a con¬ 
spicuous manner, from the rest of the plumage. 

Max'illa.—The upper jaw, or upper mandible. 

Max'illary.—Pertaining to the maxilla. 

Me dian. £ ^long the middle line. 

Me dial. S 

Mel anism.—A peculiar state of coloration resulting from excess of black or dark 
pigment. A frequent condition of hawks. 

Metal'lic—As applied to colors having a brilliant appearance, like burnished 
metal. 

Mid'dle Toe.—The middle one of the three anterior toes. It is usually 4-jointed, 
and longer than the lateral toes. In numerical order it is the third, the hind 
toe, or hallux, being the first, and the inner toe the second. In zygodactylous 
birds it corresponds to the outer anterior toe, the fourth toe being reversed. 

( The series of coverts, usually in a single transverse 

Mid'dle Cov'erts. J row, situated between the lesser and greater, or sec- 

Mid'dle Wing-coverts. < ondary coverts. They usually overlap one another 

Me'dian Cov'erts. in the reverse manner from the other coverts, the 

inner or upper edge being the one exposed. 

Migra tion,—Periodical change of abode, influenced chiefly by seasonal changes in 
climate, in which case the migration is regularly periodical , the vernal or 
spring migration being in the northern hemisphere, northward, the^autumnal 
migration southward, but vice versa in the southern hemisphere. The migra¬ 
tions of many birds, however, are irregular or erratic , being prompted by the 
necessity of finding the requisite food-supply. The Passenger Pigeon (Ecto- 
pistes migratoria), American Robin (Merula. migratoria), Cedar-bird (Am- 
pelis cedrorum ), etc., are migratory in this sense ; while the tanagers, orioles, 
and others, which pass the summer only in northern latitudes and winter en¬ 
tirely within the tropics are periodical migrants. 

Mir'ror.—See speculum. 

Monog'amous.—Pairing; mating with a single one of the opposite sex. Birds ot 
which the male assists in incubation and care of the young are called doubly 
monogamous. 

Moustache'.—In descriptive ornithology any conspicuous stripe on the side of the 
head beneath the eye. 


N. 

Nape.—The upper portion of the hind-neck or cervix. 

Na'sal.—Pertaining to the nostrils. 

Natation.—Act of swimming. 

Natato'res.—Swimming birds, as geese, ducks, gulls, etc. 
Nic'titating Mem'brane.—The third or inner eye-lid of biros. 








APPENDIX. 


419 


Nidifica'tion. —Nest-building; mode of nesting. 

No menclature. —The names of things, according to a recognized principle of nam¬ 
ing, or those peculiar to any department of science. Various systems of 
nomenclature have been employed in the naming of animals and plants. 
Previous to the institution of the binomial system by Linnaeus (first pro¬ 
mulgated as to zoology in 1758), the polynomial system, or the use of several 
terms as to the name of a species, was much in vogue. That now employed 
is the binomial system of Linnaeus, in which usually only two terms are 
used, the one generic, the other specific, but occasionally modified, accord¬ 
ing to the requirements of modern science, by the use of a third term after the 
specific one, for the designation of nascent species, or “subspecies.” 

Nor mal. —Usual ; regular. 

Nos'tril. —The external opening of the organs of respiration. 

Nu cha. —The nape ; upper part of cervix, next to occiput. 

Nu'chal. —Pertaining to the nape. 

Nup'tial plu'mage. —A particular plumage, peculiar to the breeding season, char¬ 
acteristic of some birds. 


0 . 

Oblique'. —Indirect; crossing, or running diagonally. 

Ob'long— Longer than broad. 

Obscure'. —Dark; not evident; faintly marked; little known. 

Obtuse'.— Blunt. Opposed to acute. 

Occip'ital. —Pertaining to the hind-head or occiput. 

Oc'ciput. —The hind-head. 

Ochra'ceous. t 

Och'reous. }> A brownish orange color, or intense bull. 

Och'rey. J 

Olfac'tory.— Pertaining to the sense of smell. 

Oliva ceous. ) ^ greenish-brown color, like that of olives. 

Olive. S 

Omniv'orous. —Feeding upon anything eatable ; eating indiscriminately. 
Oolog'ical. — Pertaining to oology. 

Ool ogy.— The science of birds’ eggs. 

Opaque'. —In descriptive ornithology, the opposite of metallic, or brilliant, dull or 
without gloss. 

O'ral. —Pertaining to the mouth. 

Or bit.— Eye-socket. 

Orbital Ring.— A ring or circle of color immediately surrounding the eye. 

Or'der. —In classification a group between family and class. 

On i it ho I 'ogy.—The science of birds. 

Os cinine. — Pertaining to the Oscincs ; musical or capable of singing. 

Os'cines. —The name of a natural group of singing passerine birds, comprising the 
singing-birds par excellence , characterized by a highly specalized vocal appa¬ 
ratus. 

Out er AVeb.— The outer web of a feather is that farthest from the central line of the 
body ; in wing-feathers it is that farthest from the base of the wing, or toward 
' the outer edge of the wing. 

O'yal. 

O'vate. 

O 'void. 

Ovoid'al. 

Ova rium. > qq ie organ in which eggs are developed. 

O 'vary. S 

Ovip arous.— Producing eggs which are developed after exclusion from the body. 
Oviposi'tion.—Act of laying eggs. 


► Egg-shaped ; in a general sense oblong and curvilinear. 



420 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


p. 


Pal mate, 1 Web-footed ; having the anterior toes full-webbed. Compare Semi- 


f palmate and Totipalmate. 




£ Pertaining to a marsh or swamp. 


Pal'mated. 

Pal'miped 

Pal u'dicole.—Marsh-inhabitating. 

Pal'udine. 

Palus'trine. ) 

Pap ilia.—Small fleshy nipple-like prominence. 

Par'asite.—In Oology, a species which constructs no nest and performs none of the 
duties of incubation or rearing of the young, but imposes on other birds for 
this purpose. A parasitic bird is also a species which obtains its food by syste¬ 
matically robbing other species; as the Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorariuspara¬ 
siticus). Bald Eagle (Haliceetus leucocephalus). 

Parasi'tic.—Habitually making use of other birds’ nests. 

Pas seres.—A group of birds including the sparrows and all the higher birds. 

Pas'serine.—Sparrow-like. Belonging to the group of Passeres. 

Pearl Blue.—A very pale purplish blue color. 

Pearl Gray.—A very pale delicate blue-gray color, like the mantle of certain gulls. 

Pec'tinate. ) Having tootli-like projections, like those of a comb, as in the toes of 

Pec tinated. ) a heron or grouse. 

Pec'toral.—Pertaining to the breast. 

Pec'tus.—The breast. 

Pelag ic.—Frequenting the high seas. 

Phase.—Used more especially in the case of dichromatic species, as the melan- 
istic phase, the rufescent phase, etc. 

Pi' ci.—The name of a natural group, or order, of zygodactyle birds, comprising the 
woodpeckers and wrynecks. 

Pig'men t.—Coloring-matter. 

Pil'eus ) 

^ * > The cap; top of head from base of bill to nape. 

Pil'eum. ) 

Pink.—A dilute rose-red color. 

Pin'nate. ) Having little wing-like tufts of elongated feathers on the side of the 

Pin'nated. ) neck. 

Pin'tailed.—Having the central tail-feathers elongated and narrowly acuminate, as 
in the male Pintail Duck (Dafila acuta). 

Pisciv'orous.—Fish-eating. 

Plu'mage.—The leathers, collectively. 

Plum'beous.—A deep bluish-gray color, like tarnished lead ; lead-color. 

Polyg'ainous—Mating with many females, as the domestic cock. 

Poste'rior.—(Upper or Lower) Parts.—The hinder half of a bird, above or below. 

Postoc'ular. ) 

Postor'bital. \ Back of ’ or P osterior to > the e y e - 

Pow der-down Feath'ers.—Peculiar imperfect feathers, in a matted patch, which 
grow continually, and as constantly break down, with a scrufy exfoliation, 
and pervaded with a greasy substance; they are especially conspicuous in 
the heron tribe, but are also found elsewhere. 

Primary.—Any one of the quill-feathers of the “hand-wing,” usually nine to eleven 
in number. Used chiefly in the plural, as distinguished from the secondaries 
or those remiges which grow upon the forearm. 

Pri'mary Cov'erts.—The series of stiff feathers, usually corresponding with the 
primaries in their graduation, which overlie the basal portion of the latter. 

Pune tate.—Dotted. 

Pu pil.—Central black disc circumscribed by the iris ; a hole , not a substance. 

Pur ple.—A color intermediate between red and blue. 

Pygopo'des.—A group of swimming birds, containing the families Podicipididce, 
Colymbidce and Alcidce , distinguished by the extreme posterior position of 
the legs. 

Pyriform.—Pear-shaped. 













APPENDIX. 


421 


Quad rate. —Square. 

Quar ry.— Prey of raptorial birds. 

Quill.— As generally used, one of the primary remiges; and perhaps best so re¬ 



mediate specimens cannot be considered a species, no matter how great a de¬ 
gree of differentiation may have been reached. Races are distinguished as 
“Geographical ” and “ Local ” according as to whether they occupy extensive 
or limited areas of country. Geographical races are usually correlative with 
definite geographical areas, being, in fact, the expression of geographical varia¬ 
tion.— ( Ridgway .) 

Ra mus.—Branch or fork, as the ramus of the lower mandible 

Rapto'res.—An artificial group of birds, including the so-called birds of prey. 

Rapto'rial.—Pertaining to the birds of prey. 

Rec'trix.—Any one of the tail-feathers. The plural, rectrices , is chiefly used. 

Recur'ved.— Curved upward. 

Reflection.—Change of color with different inclination to the light. 

Re gion.— Any portion of the body localized, as the anal region , dorsal region , etc* 

Re'mex.—Quill of the wing. The plural remiges is generally employed. 


Reiic'ulate. 

Reiic'ulated, 


| Marked with a network of lines. 


Ric'tal.—Pertaining to the rictus. 

Rictus.—The gape ; sometimes restricted to the corner of the mouth. 

RosB/'ccous ) 

■ > A very pure purplish-pink, like some varieties of roses. 

Rose Pink. > 

Rose Red.—The purest possible purplish red color. 

Ros'trum.—The beak; bill. 

Round ed.—A rounded tail has the central pair of feathers longest, the remainder 
successively a little shorter. A rounded wing is one in which the first pri¬ 
mary is short, the longest quill being the third, fourth or fifth, or one nearly 
midway between the first and last. 

Rudimentary.—Undeveloped ; existing only in its beginning. 

Ruff.—Set of lengthed or otherwise modified or peculiarly colored feathers around 
the throat or whole neck. 

Ru ga.—A ridge or wrinkle. 

Ru'gose.—Wrinkled. 

Rus set.—A bright tawnv-brown color, with a tinge of rusty. 


S. 


Sali va. —Spittle ; the secretion of the salivary glands. 

Scanso'rial, —Capable of climbing as a woodpecker. 

Scap'ular.— Pertaining to the shoulder blade, or Scapula 

Scap ularsv £ Feathers of the scapular region. 

Scap'ularies. j 

Scarlet. —The purest possible red color, lighter and less rosy than carmine, ricner 
and purer than vermilion. 

Scolo pacine. —Snipe-like. 

Scu'tellate —Provided with scutella , or transverse scales. 

Sec'ondary Oov'erts. —Properly, the posterior row of wing-coverts, which overlie 
the basal portion of the secondaries. The greater wing-coverts. 


Sec'ondaries. 
Sec'ondary Quills. 
Sec'ondary Rem iges. 


The long feathers of the forearm, which in the spread wing 
appear in a continuous row with the primaries. 






422 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Toothed like a saw. 


Ser rate. 

Serrated. 

Setaceous.—Bristly; bristled. 

Sex ual.—Pertaining to sex. 

Shaft.—The mid-rib of a feather. 

Shank.—Properly the shin or tibial segment of the leg. 

Side of Neck.—The space included between the cervix and the jugulurn. 

Sides.—The lateral portions of the inferior surface of a bird’s body, extending from 
near the armpits to and including the flanks. The sides are subdivisible into 
(1) sides of breast, (2) sides proper, and (3) flanks. 

Slate co'lor.—A. dark gray, or blackish gray color, less bluish in tint than plumbe¬ 
ous or lead color. 

Species.—Aggregate of individuals related by genetic succession without notable 
change of physical characters whereby they are distinguished from all other 
beings. 

Specific.—Of, or relating to a species ; as specific name, specific character. 

Spec'ulum.—Mirror ; brightly colored area on the secondaries, especially of certain 
ducks. 

Spher'ical.—Having the form of a sphere or globe. 

Spi'nose. ) 

Spi nous. 1 Hav,n S opines. 

Spu'rious.—False; imperfect; bastard; rudimentary. 

Spu rious Pri'mary.—The first primary when much reduced in size. 

Spu'rious Wing.—The alula or bastard wing. 

Squam'ose. 


Squam'ous. 


} Scaly; 


scale like. 


Stage.—Used specially for the progressive plumages of birds, as the adult stage , 
downy stage , etc. 

Steganopo'des.—A group of “Swimming Birds” characterized by having the hind 
toe united, on the inner side, to the inner anterior one by a full web. 

Strag'ulum.—Mantle; back and folded wings taken together. Same as pallium. 

Straw-col or.—A very light impure yellow, like cured straw. 

Striate. ) streake(L 

Stri ated. ) 

St r i' dent. —Sh rill. 

Sub-ba'sal.—Near the base. 

Subfam ily.—A sub-division of a family including one or more genera. 

Subge'nus.—A sub-division of a genus, of indefinite value, and frequently not rec¬ 
ognized by name except in the grouping of species. 

Sub-or'der—A group intermediate in taxonomic rank between an order and a 
family. 

Sub-spe cies.—A nascent species; a variation, usually geographical, of a species, 
but not accorded full specific rank on account of the incompleteness of its dif¬ 
ferentiation ; hence, usually a geographical race or form. 

Subu'late.—Awl-shaped. 

Sul phur Yel low.—A very pale pure yellow color, less orange in tint than dilute 
gamboge or lemon-yellow. 

Supercil'iary.—Above the eye. 

Superior'.—Lying over, above or uppermost. 

Supra-auri'cular.—Situate above the auriculars. 

Supralo'ral.—Situate above the lores. 

Su'pra-or'bital.—Situate over the orbit. 

Syn onym—A different word of the same or similar meaning. Also written syn¬ 
onym e. 


Synon ymous —Expressing the same meaning in different terms. 
Synon ymy.—A collection of synonyms. 










APPENDIX. 


423 





Tail.— See cauda. 

Tail-eov erts.— The most posterior feathers of the body, or those which immediately 
cover the basal portion of the tail. 

Tar sal. —Relating the tarsus. 

Tar sus. In descriptive ornithology, the leg of a bird, or that portion from the foot 
(that is, the toes) to the hetl joint. 

Taw ny—The color of tanned leather. 

Tax idermist.—A person who prepares and preserves the skins of animals, with the 
view to imitate their appearance in life. 

Taxid ermy.—Art oi preparing and preserving skins so as to represent the appear¬ 
ance of the living animal. 

Ter minal.— At the end. 


Te r'tials. 
Ter'tiaries 


Properly, the inner quills of the wing, growing from the elbow or 
humerus and usually more or less concealed (in the closed wing) 
by the longer scapulars. Frequently, however, the graduated inner 
secondaries are incorrectly so-called, especially when distinguished, 
( as they very often are, by different, color, size, or shape. 

Thorac'ic.—Pertaining to the chest or thorax. 

Tho rax.—The chest; segment of the body enclosed by ribs, sternum (breast-bone), 
and certain vertebrae, containing heart and lungs. 

Throat.—In descriptive ornithology, the space between the rami of the lower jaw, 
including alsoa small portion of the upper part of the foreneck. 

Tib ia.—Principal and inner bone of leg between knee and heel; but in descriptive 
ornithology, called “thigh.” 

Tib'ial.—Pertaining to the tibia. 

To'mium.—The cutting-edge of the mandibles. Plural tomia. 

Toti pal'mate.—Having all four toes webbed. 

Transverse'.—Crosswise ; in direction at right angle with longitudinal axis of the 
body. 

Tridac'tyle.—Three-toed. 

Trino mial.—Composed of three names. In Biology, a name composed ol three 
terms,—a generic, a specific, and a subspecific. 

Trun'cate—Cut squarely off. 

Type.—Of various significations in ornithology. The type of a genus is that species 
from which the generic characters have been taken, or which is specified as 
the standard ; the type of a species is the particular specimen from which the 
species was originally described. The type, or typical, form of a group is that 
which answers best to the diagnosis of that group. 


U. 

Un'der Parts. —The entire lower surface of a bird, from chin to crissum, inclusive. 

Un guis. —A claw. 

Up per Parts. —The entire upper surface, from forehead to tail, inclusive. 

U-shaped. —Having the form of the letter U. 

V. 

Vane.— The whole of a feather excepting the stem. 

Vari'etal. —Pertaining to or having the characteristics of a variety. 

Vari'ety.—Properly, an individual or unusual and irregular variation from the nor¬ 
mal type of form or coloration, as the various breads or “strains” of domestic 
animals. But the term is often, though improperly, applied to subspecies, or 
geographical races. 

Vent.—The anus. 

Vent ral.—Pertaining to the belly. 

Vent ral Re'gion. —The feathers surrounding or immediately adjacent to the vent 







424 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Venn icul ate. \ 

Vermie'ulated. > Marked with irregular fine lines, like the tracks of small worms. 
Vei inic'ulation. ) 

Ver'inifrom.—Shaped like a worm ; as a woodpecker’s tongue. 

Vermil ion.— A very fine red color, lighter and less rosy than carmine, and not so 
pure or rich as scarlet. 

Ver'nal. — Pertaining to spring. 

Vibris sa — Bristly or bristle-tipped feather about the mouth of a bird. 

Vina'eeous.—A brownish pink, or delicate brownish-purple color, like wine-dregs; 
a soft delicate wine-colored pink or purple. 

Violet. > a purplish-blue color, like the petals of a violet. 

Viola'ceous. ) 

Vis'ceral.—Pertaining to the viscera. 

Vis'cus.—Any interior organ of the body, but especially of the digestive system. 

The stomach is a viscus; the intestines are viscera. 

V-shaped.—Having the form of the letter V. 

W. 

Wash ed. —As it overlaid with a thin layer of different color. 

Wa'ved.—Marked with narrow undulating lines of color. 

Web —The thin part or vane of a feather on either side of the shaft. 

Whis'kered.—Having lengthened or bristly feathers on the cheeks. 


Z. 

Zone. —A broad band of color, completely encircling the circumference of a body. 
Zoolog ical. —Pertaining to zoology. 

Zodi'i gy.— Natural history of animals, of which ornithology is one department. 
Zygodac'tyle. —Yoke-toed ; having the toes in pairs, two before and two behind. 






INDEX 


A. 

Acanthis, 229 
linaria, 229 
Accipiter, 120,126, 336 

atricapillus, 120. 124, 349, 366 
cooperi, 122, 33ri, 349, 3b6 
velox, 120, 336, 348, 366 
Accipitrinne, 117 
Actitis, 94 

macularia, 94 
•jEgialitis. 99 
meloda, 101 
semipalmata, 100 
vocit'era, 99 
wilsonia, 102 
Agelaius, 210 

phoernceus, 2 0 
Alx. 30. 40 

sponsa, 30, 40 
Ajaja ajaja, 54 
Alauda arvensis, 198 
Alaudidne, 197 
Alcedinidae, 162 
Alcidte, 8 
A Icy ones, 162 
Alle, 10 
alle, 10 

Allinae, 10 
Ammodramus. 234 

sandwiehenses savanna, 234 
savannarum passerinus, 235 
benslowii, 236 
Ampelidie, 257 
Ampelinas, 258 
Arapelis, 258 

cedrorura, 258 
garrulus, 258 

Anas, 35 

americana, 37 
boschas, 35 
caro linen sis, 37 
discors. 38 
obscura, 36 
strepera, 36 

Anatidae. 30 
Anatinae, 35 
Anhinga anhinga, 28, 58 
Ani, 159 
Anis, 159 
An seres, 30 
Anserinae, 49 

Anthus, 303 

pensilvanicus, 303 

Antrostomus. 179 
carolinensis. 180 
vociferus, 179 
Aphelocoma floridana, 199 
Aphrizidas, 103 
Aquiia, 133 

chrysaetos, 133, 357, 366 


Archibuteo, 131,137, 336, 337, 356 366 

lagopus sancti-johannis, 131, 336, 356, 366 
Ardea, 28, 57 

candidissima. 60 
coerulea. 62, 63 
egretta, 59, 60 
herodias. 28, 57 
tricolor ruficollis, 61 
virescens, 63 
Ardeidne, 54 
Ardeinae, 57 

Arenaria, 103 
interpres, 103 
Arenariinae, 103 
Asio, 146, 336 

accipitrinus, 148, 336, 361, 366 
wilsonianus, 146, 336, 360, 366 
Auk, 6, 10 
Little, 10 
Auks, 6, 8 

Authorities, list of, 404-407 

Ay thy a. 41 
affinis, 44 
americana, 41 
collaris. 44 
mania nearctica, 43 
vallisneria, 42 

B. 

Baldpate, 37 
Bald pates, 37 
Bartramia, 92 
longicauda, 92 
Beebird. 187 

Birds, Local (county), lists of, and names of per¬ 
sons contributing the same, 408, 409 
Birds, an act for the Protection of, 402, 403 
Birds Molested by the Sparrow, 395 
Bittern, American, 55 
Least. 56 

Bitterns, 54, 55, 56 

Blackbird, Cow, 209 

Crow, 114, 212. 219. 223, 224 
Ked-shouldered. 212 
Bed-winged, 210, 211, 212, 214 
Busty, 2 18 
Skunk, 206 
Swamp. 210, 212 
Yellow-headed, 205, 212, 213 
Blackbirds, 205, 209, 211, 221 
Black-cap, Wilson's, 301. 

Black-head, 43 
Big, 43 
Little, 43, 44 
Bluebird, 241, 324, 330 
Bluebirds, 330 331 
Blue-bill. 43 
Little, 44 

Bobolink, 205, 206, 207 
Bob-white, 105 
Florida, 106 


( 425 ) 





426 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Bog-trotter, 119 
Bogsucker, 78 
Booby, 47,48 
Bonasa. 107 

umbellus, 107, 200 
Botaurinae, 55 
Botaurus, 55 
exilis, 56 
lentiginosus, 55 

Bounty or “ Scalp ” Act of 1885, —339 
Brant, 51 
Branta, 50 
bernicla, 51 
canadensis, 50 
Bubo, 156,336 

virginianus, 156, 336, 364, 366 
Bubouida?, 143, 146 
Bulhe-head, 45 

Bunting, Black-throated, 249 
Bay-winged, 233 
Cow, 161, 209 
Indigo. 248 
Snow, 232 
Townsend’s, 249. 

Butcher-bird, 260, 261 
Butcher-birds, 260 
Buteo, 120, 126, 137, 336 

borealis, 126.336,349,366. 
borealis hariani, 129 
harlaui, 129 

latissiraus. 126, 130, 336, 356, 366 
lineatus, 126, 129. 336, 354, 366 
swainsoni, 356, 366 
Butter-ball, 45 
Bush-bird, 244 
Butter-birds, 206 
Buzzards, Turkey, 114,115,116 
Buzzards, 117 

C. 

Calcarius, 232 

lapponicus, 232 
Calidris, 87 
arenaria, 87 
Calico-back, 103 
Calico-snipe, 103 
Callipepla californica, 104 
Canvas-back, 42,43 
Caprimulgi, 178 
Caprimulgidae, 178 
Cardinal, 245 
Cardinalis,‘245 
cardinalis, 245 
Carpodacus, 227 
purpureus, 227 
Catbird, 203,305 
Catharista, 117 
atrata, 117 
Cathartes, 115 
aura, 115 
Carthartidae, 114 
Cedar-bird, 257, 258 
Cedar-birds, 259 
Ceophlceus. 170 

pilealus, 170, 177,178 
Cepphi, 6 
Cephus. 9,10 
grylle. 9 
rnandtii, 10 
Certhia, 313 

familiaris americana, 313 
Certhiidie, 313 


Ceryle, 162 
a Icy on, 162 
Chieturinae, 182 
Chsetura. i82 
pelagica, 182 
Chalk-line, 63 
Charadrius, 97 
dominicus, 98 
squatarola, 97 
Charadriidae, 97 
Chari tonetta, 45 
albeoia, 45 
Chat, 265, 271, 272 

Yellow-breasted, 196, 299 
Chelidon. 255 

erythrogaster, 255 
Chen, 49 

caerulescens, 49 
hyperborea nivalis, 49 
Cherry-bird, 258 
Cherry-birds, 259 
Chewink, 244 

Chickadee, 311, 317, 318, 319 
Carolina, 317, 319, 320 
Chickadees, 267 
Chicken, Mother Carey’s, 27 
Chick-will, 180 
Chippy, 238, 240, 241 
Ground, 242 
Chimney-bird, 182 
Chuck-will’s-widow, 180 
Ciconias, 53 
Ciconiidas, 53 
Circus, 119, 336 

hudsonius, 119, 336, 347, 366 
Cistothorus, 311 
palustns, 312 
stellaris, 3il 
Clamatores, 186 
Clangula, 46 

hyemalis, 46 
Clivicola, 256 
ripana, 256 
Coccothraustes, 224 
vespertina, 224 
Coccyges, 159 
Coccyginae, 160 
Coccyzus, 160 

americanus, 160 
erythrophthalmus, 161 
Colaptes, 176 
auratus, 176 
Colinus, 103 

virginianus. 105 
lloridanus, 106 
Columbie, 110 
Columbidte, 110 
Colymbus, 2, 3 
auritus. 3 
liolbcellii, 2 
Compsothlypis, 279 
americana, 269, 279 
Contopus, 187, 193 
virens, 193. 286 
borealis, 194 
Coot, 75 

American, 74 
Sea, 47, 48 
Coots, 67, 74 
Corncracker, Red, 246 
Cormorant, 28 

Dou ble-crested, 28 
Cormorants, 28, 29, 31, 63 









INDEX. 


427 


Corvidae, 198 
Corvinae, 201 
Corvus, 201,391 

americauus, 202. 204,367 
corax principalis 201 
ossifragus, 204, 367, 391 
sinuatus, 201 

Coturnix coturnix, 104 
Cowbird, 205. 209, 210, 263 
Cow birds, 327 
Crane, Big. 57 

Green-legged, 55 
Large White, 59 

Creeper. Brown, 272, 313.314 
Black and White, 273 
Creepers, 313 

Crossbill. American, 228, 229 
Mexican, 228 
White-winged, 229 
Crossbills, 224, 226, 228, 229 
Crotophaga ani, 159 
Crow, American, 198, 202 
Carrion, 117 
Common, 204, 367 
Fish, 19s, ^04, 367 
Rain, 160, 161 

Crow, Fish, Examination of Stomachs of the, 391 
Crows, 198, 201, 203, 219 
Crymopliiluslulicarius, 77 
r ood of, 367-395 

Cuckoo, Biack-billed, 159,161, 162 
Yellow-billed, 159, 160,161, 162 
Cuckoos, 6, 159 
Cuculi, 159 
Cuculidae, 159 

Curlew, Eskimo, 96 
Long-billed, 95, 96 

Cyanocitta, 199 
cristata. 199 
cristata florincola, 199 

Cygninae, 51 
Cypseli, 182 

D. 

Dabchick, 5 

Dafila, 39 
acuta, 39 

Dendroica, 279 

aestiva, 269, 279, 280 
auduboni, 282, 283 
blackburmae, 269, 287 
caerulea, 2b9. 284 
caerulescens, 269, 281 
castanea, 284, 285, 286 
coronata, 269, 28L 
discolor, 270, 293 
dominica, 270, 288 
kirtlandi, 270, 290, 291 
maculosa, 269, 283 
palmarum, 292 
palmarum hypochrysea, 292 
pensyl vamca, 269, 284 
striata. 286 
tigrina. 279 
townsendi. 290 
vigorsii, 270. 291 
virens, 270. 289 
Dickcissel, 224, 249,250 

Dipper. 4 
Little, 4 
Diver. 3 

G reat Northern, 6, 7, 8 
Hell, 4 

Little Hell, 3 
Divers. 7 

Dolichonyx. 205 

oryzivorus, 205, 207 


Dough-bird, 96 
Dove, 110, 203 

Mourning, 110,113 
Sea, 10 
Turtle, 113 
Dovekie, 10 
Doves, 110 
Dowitcher, 82 
Dryobates, 165 
borealis, 167,177 
pubescens. 166 
villosus, 165 
villosus audubonii, 178 
Duck, Acorn, 40 

American Scaup, 43 
Black, 36 
Buflic-head, 30, 37 
Crow, 74 
Dipper, 3 
Dusky. 36 
Fish, 32 
Gray, 36 
Lesser Scaup, 44 
Little Fish. 3, 4 
Long-tailed, 46 
Pintail, 39 
Raft, 44 

Ring-necked, 44 
Ruddy, 30, 48. 49 
Spine-tailed, 48 
Summer, 40 
Surf. 48 

Wood. 30, 34, 40, 41 
Ducks, 30, 31, 35, 38, 41 
Dunlin, American, 86 


E. 

Eagle, Bald, 133,135, 136, 141, 357, 366 
Black, 135 

Golden, 117, 133, 357, 366 
Gray, 135 
Washington, 135 
White-headed, 133 
Eagles, 117, 135 
Ectopistes, 111. 408 
migratorius. 111, 408 

Egret. American, 59, 60 
Little White, 60 

Egrets, 54, 57 
Eider. American, 47 
King, 46 
Elanoides. 118 

forticatus, 118, 347, 366 
Emberiza hortulana, 206 
Empidonax, 187, 195 
acadicus, 195 
tlaviventris, 195 
minimus, 197 
pusillus traillii, 196, 197 

English Sparrow, Stomach Contents of, 397, 398, 
399 

Ereu notes. 87 
pusillus, 87 

Erismatura, 48 
rubida, 48 


Falco, 137, 336 

columbarius, 139, 357, 366 
mexicauus. 357, 366 
peregrinus anatum, 137, 357, 366 
sparverius, 140, 262, 336, 358, 366 
Falcon, Prairie, 357, 366 
Falcon, Winter, 129 
Falcones, 117 
Falcons, 117,137 
Falconidae, 117, 140, 141 







428 


MUDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Falconinse, 137 

Finch, Crimson, 327, 231 \ 

Grass, 233 
Pine, 231 
Purple, 224, 227 
Finches, 224, 231 
Fire-bird, 216 

Fish Crow, Examination of Stomach of the, 391 
Fish-duck, 31 
Flicker, 164,176 
Flycatcher, Acadian, 195,197 
Crested, 190 
Least, 197 
Olive-sided, 194 
Traill's, 196, 197 . 

Yellow-bellied, 195 
Flycatchers, }86 
Fly-up-the-creek, 63 
Fratercula, 9 
aretiea, 9 
Fraterculime. 9 
Fringillidfe, 224, 267 
Fulica, 74 

americana, 74 
Fulicinse, 74 

G. 

Gadwall, 36, 37 
Galeoscoptes, 305 
carolinensis, 305 
Gallinm, 104 
Gallinago, 80, 82 
delicata, 80 
Gallinula, 73 
galeata, 72, 73 
Gallinule, Florida, 73 
Purple, 73 
Gallinules, 67, 72 
Gallinulinee, 72 
Garrulinae, 199 
Geese, 30, 49 
Gelochelidon, 18 
nilotica, 18 
Geotlilypis, 272, 296 
agilis, 297 
formosa, 271, 296 
Philadelphia, 271, 297 
trichas, 271, 298 
Glaucionetta, 44 

clangula americana, 44 
Glossary of Technical Terms, 411-424 
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 323 
Gnatcatchers, 320, 323 
Goatsuckers, 178 
Godwit, Hudsonian, 88 
Marbled, 88 

Golden-eye, American, 44, 45 
Goldfinch, 224, 230, 231 
Golden-robin, 216 
Golden wing, 164 
Goosander, 31, 32 
Goose, Blue, 49 
Blue Snow, 49 
Brant, 51 
Canada, 30, 50 
Greater Snow, 49 
Snow, 49 
Wild, 50 

Goshawk, 120, 124, 125, 126, 334, 349, 366 
Goshawks, 120,125 
Grackle. Bronzed, 224 
Purple, 219 
Busty, 218 

Grackles, Purple, 327 


Grass-snipe, 84, 85 
Gray-back, 84 
Grebe, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 45, 49 
Horned, 3, 4 
Pied-billed, 1, 4, 5 
Red-necked, 2 
Holboell’s 2, 3 
Grebes, 1, 6 
Green-bird, 248 
Greenlets, 262 
Grosbeak, Blue. 247, 248 
Evening, 224. 225, 226 
Rose-breasted, 224, 246, 247 
Pine, 224, 226 
Grosbeaks, 225, 226 
Grouse, 104, 105, 107, 120, 200 
Ruffed, 101, 107, 108 
Guara, alba, 54 
Guillemot, 9,10 
Black, 9, 10 
Mandt’s, 10 
Guillemots, 9 
Guiyaca, 247 
cairulea, 247 
Gull, 14 

American Herring, 14 
Big, 14 

Black-headed,15 
Bonaparte’s, 16 
Herring, 14, 16 
Laughing, 15 
Little, 16 
Ring-billed, 14 
Winter, 14 

Gulls, 10, 11, 13,14,16,17,18 
Skua, 10,11 

H. 

Habia, 246 

ludoviciana, 246 
Haliaeetus, 135 

leucocephalus, 135, 357,366 
Hanging-bird, 216,217 
Hang-nest, 217 
Haiporhynchus, 305 
rufus, 305 
Harrier, 119 

Hawk, American Rough-legged, 131 
American Sparrow* 140 
Black. 131, lo2 
Blue, 124 

Broad-winged, 126, 130. 336, 356, 366 
Cooper’s, 120,122,124, 131, 334, 335, 336, 346, 349, 
366 

Duck, 137, 138, 346, 357, 366 
Fish, 117, 136, 142 
Great-footed, 137,138 
Harlan’s, 129 
Hen, 127 

Long-tailed Chicken. 122 
Marsh. 117, 119, 334, 336, 347, 348, 366 
Partridge, 120 
Pheasant, 122 

Pigeon, 120, 139.160, 346. 357. 358, 366 
Red shouldered, 126, 129, 130, 335, 336, 354, 355, 
366 

Red-tailed, 126, 127. 128, 129, 335, 336, 349, 350, 
351, 352, 353, 354, 366 

Rough legged, 117. 132. 334, 336, 356, 357, 366 
Sharp-shinned, 120, 122. 334. 346. 348, 366 
Sparrow, 18. 117, 123, 130, 141, 155, 262, 335, 336, 
358, 359. 360. 366 
Swainson’s, 356 366 

Hawks, 117. 119, 120, 124. 333, 334. 335, 336, 337, 338, 
341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 366 
Hawks and Owls, Food of, 346 
Hell-divers, 1 
Helmintliophila, 275 
celata, 278 

chrysoptera, 268,276, 277 













INDEX . 


429 


Helmintbophila, leucobronchialis, 277 
peregrina, 278 
pinus. 26t\ 275. 277 
ruficapilla, 288, 277 

Helmitherus, 274 

vermivorus, 268, 274 
Hen, Indian, 55. 160 
M Ud, 68, 65*, 74 
Prairie, 104 
Herodii, 54 
Herodiones, 53 

Heron, Black-crowned Night, 64 
Great, ;>8 

Great Blue, 57, 58. 63 
Greet), 61. 63. 64, 65, 114 
Little Blue, 61. 62. 63 
Little W hite, 62 
Louisiana. 61. 62, 63 
Night. 63. 65, 66 
Snowy. 60. 61. 63 
Yellow-crowned Night, 66 

Herons. 28. 53. 54. 57 
Great Blue, 28 
Hick-up. 195. 196 
High-holder, 164 
Hirundinidae. 252, 267 
Humming-bird. 320 
Ruby-throated, 183 
Humming-birds, 183, 184 
Hydrochelidon. 23 

nigra surinamensis, 23 

I. 

Ibididae, 53, 54 
Ibis. G lossy. 53 
White, 54 
Wood, 53 

Ibises. 53 
Wood, 53 

Icteridee, 205 
Icteria, 272, 299 
Virens, 271, 299 

Icterus. 214 
galbula, 216 
spurius, 214 
Ictinia. 118 

mississippiensis, 118, 347, 366 
Indigo bud, 224, 248, 308 

Ionornis, 73 

martinica, 73 

J 

Jack-daw, White-eyed, 224 
Jack-snipe, 80, 84 

Jaeger, 11 

Parasitic. 12 
Pomarine, 11 
Jaegers, 10, 11, 12,13 
Jay, Blue, 198,199, 200, 251 
Canada. 199, 201 
Florida Blue, 199 
Scrub. 199 
Jay-bird, 199 
Jays, 198, 199, 200, 318 

Junco, 224, 240 

hyemalis, 240, 282, 283 
Slate-colored, 240 
Juree, 244 

K 

Killdeer, 99 
Killdeers, 97, 100 
Kingbird, 187, 188, 189 
Kingfisht r, 188 
Belted, 162 


Kingfishers, 162,163 
Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 320, 321, 322 
Ruby-crowned, 320, 321, 322 
Kinglets, 320 

Kite Mississippi, 118, 347, 366 
Swallow-tailed, 118, 347, 366 
Kites, 117 
Knot, 83, 84 
Kittiwake, 16,17 
Kow-bird, 160, 161 

Li. 

Laniidae, 259 

Lanius, 260 

borealis, 260, 262 
ludovicianus, 260, 261, 262 
ludovicianus excubitorides, 260, 262 

Lanivireo, 263 
Lark. Brown, 303 
Horned. 197, 198 
Prairie Horned, 198 

Laridae, 11,13 
Larinae, 13 

Larus, 14, 15,16 

argentatu9 smithsonianus, 14 
atricilla, 15 
delawarensis, 14 
Philadelphia, 16 

Letter, from 

Bicknell, Eugene P., 338 
Coues, Dr. Elliott, 337 
Fisher, Dr. A. K., 338 
Henshaw, H. W.. 336, 337 
Merriam, Dr. C. Hart, 334, 335 
Rid gway, Robert, 335 
Stejneger, Dr. Leonhard, 335 
Turner, Lucien M., 337, 338 

Limicolae, 75 
Limosa, 88 
fedoa, 88 
tuemastica, 88 
Lougspur, Lapland, 232, 233 
Loon. 6, 7, 8, 45 
Red-throated, 8 
Loons, 31 
Lophod.vtes, 33 
cucullatus, 33 

Loxia, 228 

curvirostra minor, 228 
curvirostra stricklandi, 228 
leucoptera, 229 

M. 

Macrochires, 178 
Macrorhamphus, 82 
gnseus, 82 
Mallard, 35, 36 
Black, 36 

Martin, Purple, 253, 254 
Meadowlark, 213, 214 
Mega scops, 154, 336, 366 
asio, 154, 336, 366 

Melanerpes, 172 

carolinus, 173. 174, 178 
erythrocepbalus, 172 

Meleagrinm, 109 
Meleagris, 109 

gallopavo, 109,110 

Melospiza, 242 
fasciata, 242 
georgiana, 243 
lincolni, 242 

Merganser, 31 
American, 31 
Hooded, 32, 33, 34 
Red-breasted, 32. 33 






430 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Merganser, 31 
amencauus, 31 
serrator, 32 

Mergansers, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 
Merginae, 31 
Merula, 327 

migratoria, 324, 327 
Micropalama, 83 
hiraantopus, 83 
Micropodidre, 182 
Migrants, Some Nocturnal, 400 
Miminaj, 304 
Manus, 304 

polyglottos, 304 
Mniotilta, 273, 287 
varia, 273, 287 
Mnrotlltidae, 267 
Mockingbird, 304 
Brown, 304 
Molothrus. 209 
ater, 209 
Motacillidae, 303 
Murre, i0 

Brunnich’s, 10 
Murres, 8 
Myiarchus, 186.190 
crinitus, 190 


N. 


Nigbthawk, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182 
N-ight-heu, 64 
Numenius, 95 
borealis, 96 
longirostris, 95 
Nuthatch, 272 

Brown-headed, 315, 317 
Red-breasted. 315, 316 
White-bellied, 275, 315 
White-breasted, 315, 316 
Nuthatches, 167, 314, 315, 318 
Nyctala. 152 

acadica, 152, 363, 366 
Nyctea. 158 

uyctea, 143, 158, 365,366 
Nycticorax. 64 

n.\ cticorax noevius, 64 
violaceus, 66 


O. 

Oeeanodroma, 27 
leucorhoa, 27 
Oidemia, 47 

americana, 47 
deglandi, 47 
perspicillata, 48 
Old-squaw, 46 
Olor, 51 

columbianus, 51 
Oporornis, 296 
Orange-borer, 174 
Oriole, Baltimore, 216, 217 
Orchard, 214, 215, 217 
Orioles, 205 
Ortolan, 70, 206 
Oscines, 186,197 
Osprey, American, 142 
Otocoris, 197 
alpestris, 197 
alpestris praticola, 198 
Ovenbird, 271, 272, 275, 293, 294, 296 
Owl, Acadian, 152,153 

American Hawk, 159, 365, 366 
American Long-eared, 146 


Owl, Barn, 143, 144, 145, 146, 152, 860, 366 
Barred, 144, 150, 151, 386, 362, 366 
Burrowing, 153, 365, 366 
Cedar. 144, 146 
Florida Barred, 151, 362, 366 
Gray, 154 
Great Gray, 151 

Great Homed, 143, 144, 150, 156, 157, 335, 336, 
344, 346, 364, 365, 366 
Hoot, 143, 150, 156 

Long-eared, 143, 144, 146, 147, 150, 336, 360, 361, 
366 

Marsh, 144,148 
Mottled, 153, 154, 155 
Rain, 144, 150 
Red, 153, 154 
Saw-whet. 152, 363, 366 

Screech, 117,143, 150, 154, 155, 156, 336, 363, 364, 
366 

Short-eared, 143, 144, 148, 149, 150, 336, 361, 
362, 366 
Stone, 153 

Swamp, 144, 148, 150 
Snowy, 143,158, 365, 366 
White, 143 

Owls, 4. 143. 144, 145, 146. 147, 333, 336, 337, 338, 341, 
342, 343, 344, 345, 347, 366 


P. 

Paludicolae, 67 
Pandion. 142 

haliaetus carolinensis, 142 
Pandionimc. 142 
Paridae, 314 
Parime, 317 
Partridge, 104,105, 107 
California, 104 
Partridges. 105,106 
Parus. 318 

atricapillus, 318 
bicolor. 318 
carolinensis, 319 
Passer, 240. 397 

domesticus, 240,397 
Passerella, 243 
iliaca, 243 
Passerina, 248 
cyanea, 248 
Passe res, 186 
Peep, 85, 87 
Peeps, 86 
Peet-weet, 95 
Pelecanidte, 29 
Pelecanus, 29 

erythrorhynchos, 29 
Pelican. American White, 29 
White, 29 

Pelicans, 29, 30 
Perisoreus, 201 
canadensis, 201 
Petrel, Leach’s, 27 
Stormy, 27 
Wilson’s, 27 
Petrels, 25, 26 
Petrochelidon, 254 
lunifrons, 254 
Pewee, 191, 192. 296, 309 
Common, 168 
Wood, 193, 196, 287 
Phalacrocoracidm, 28 
P'halacrocorax, 28 
carbo, 28 
dilophus, 28 
Phalaropodidre, 75 
Phalaropus, 76 
lobatus, 76 
tricolor. 76 













INDEX. 


431 


Phalnrope, Northern, 76 
Bed. 77 
W i ison’s, 7G 
Phalaropes, 75, 76 
Phalerinae. 9 
Phasiaui, 104 
Phasianid®, 109 
Pheasant. 101,103 
Pheasants, 104, 108 
Philohela, 77, 78, 80 
minor, 78 
Phoebe, 191, 192 
Picker, Big-wood, 164 
Pici, 164 
Picidae, 164 

Picoides. 164,165 
americanus, 164 
arcticus, 164 

Pigeon, Passengei*, 111 
Wild, 110, lit, 112, 113 

Pigeons, 110, 111, 112, 120 
Pinicola, 226 

enucleator, canadensis, 226 
Pintail, 39 
Pipilo, 244 

erythropthalmus, 244 
Pipit, American, 272, 303 
Piranga. 250 

erythromelas, 250 
rubra, 252 
Plataleidae, 54 
Plectrophenax, 232 
nivalis, 232 

Plegadis, autumnalis, 53 
Plover, American Golden, 98 
Black-bellied, 97, 98 
Bull-head, 97, 98 
Field, 92, 93. 98, 

Golden. 97,98 
Grass, 92. 93 
Piping. H7, 101,102 
Ring. 100. 101 
Upland. 92 

Semipalmated, 100,101 
Whistling Field, 97 
Wilson's, 102 
Plovers, 97, 98 
Podicivtedes, 1 
Podicipidae, 1 
Podilymbus, 1, 4 
pod i ceps, 1, 4 

Polioptila, 323 
caerulea, 323 

Polioptilinie, 323 
Poocietes. 233 

gramineus, 233 

Porzana, 67, 70 
Carolina, 70, 206 
jamaicensis, 72 
noveboracensis, 71 
Potato-bug-bird, 246 

Procellaria, 27 
pelagica, 27 

Procellariidae, 25 

Progne, 253 
subis, 253 
Protonotaria, 273 
citrea, 268, 273 

Puffin, 9 

Puffin us. 26 
major, 26 

Puffins, 8, 9 
Pygopodes, 1 


Q 

Quail, 104, 105, 106,120 
Kuropean, 104 
Migratory, 104 
Quaker-bird, 258 
Quiscalus, 219 

quiscula, 219. 224 
quiscula mueus, 224 

R. 

Rail, Big Red, 67 
Black. 72 
Blue, 73 

Carolina, 70. 71, 206 
Clapper. 67. 68, 69, 74 
Common, 70 
King, 67, 69 
Little Red, 69 
Virginia. 67, 68, 69, 70, 71 
Yellow, 71 
Ralli, 67 
Rallidae, 67 
Rallinae, 67 
Rail us, 67 

elegans, 67, 68 

longirostris crepitans, 68, 74 
virginianus, 69 
Rail-bird, 70 
Rails, 67 
Raptores, 11, 114 
Raven, 198 

Northern, 201 
Ravens, 201, 202 
Red-bird, 216, 245 
Black-winged, 250 
Winter, 245 
Red-head, 41, 42 
Redpoll, 224, 229, 230 
Redstart, 267,284 
American, 302 
Reed-bird, 205, 206 
Regulinae, 320 
Regulus,32l 

calendula, 322 
satrapa, 321, 322 
Ricebird, 207 
Ricebirds, 206, 208 
Ring-neck, 100, 101 
Rissa, 16 

tridactyla, 16 

Robin, 203, 324, 325, 327, 328 
American, 324,327 
Ground, 244 
Wood, 324 
Robin, Food of, 329 
Robins, 267, 327, 328 
Robin-snipe, 84 
Rynchopidae, 24 
Rynchops. 25 
nigra, 25 

8 . 

Salad-bird, 230, 231 
Sanderling, 87 
Sandpiper, Ash-colored, 83 
Bartramian, 92 
Black-bellied, 86 
Least, 85, 87 
Pectoral. 84, 85 
Purple. 84 
Red-backed. 86 
Red-breasted, 83 
Semipalmated, 85, 87 







432 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Sandpiper, Solitary, 90, 91 
Spotted, 91, 94, 95, 97, 294 
Stilt, 83 

White-rumped, 85 
Sandpipers. 77 

Sapsueker, 165, 166,167, 315, 316 
Orange, 174 

Yellow-bellied, 168,169 
Sapsuckers, 166, 169 
Sarcorkamphi, 114 
Sayornis, 187, 191 
ptxebe, 191, 296 
Seoleeopbagus, 218 
carohnus, 218 
Scolopacidae, 77 
Scolopax, 77 
rusticola, 77 
Scoter, American, 47 
Surf. 48 

White-winged, 47 
Seiurus, 275, 293 

aurocapillus, 271, 275, 293 
motaeiJla. 271, 295 
noveboracensis, 271, 294 
Setophaga. 302 

ruiicilla, 267, 302 
Shearwater, 26 
Greater, 26 
Sheldrake, 31 
Shewiuk, 244 
Shite-poke, 63 
Shoveller, 39 
Shrike, 260 

Great Northern, 260 
Loggerhead, 260. 261. 262 
Northern, 259, 260 261 
White-rumped, 260. 261, 262 
Shrikes, 259, 260, 261, 262 
Sialia. 330 
siahs, 330 
Sickle-bill, 95 

Siskin, Pine, 231 * 

Sitta, 275, 315 

canadensis, 316 
carolinensis, 275, 315 
pusilla, 317 
Sittime, 314 
Skimmer, Black, 25 
Skimmers, 24, 25 
Sk> larks, 198 
Skuas, 10 

Snipe, English, 80, 81 

Wilson’s, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85 
Snipes, 77 
Snowbird, 229, 240 
Black, 240 
White, 232 
Snowbirds, 282, 283 
Snowflake, 224,232, 233 
Somateria, 46 
dresseri. 47 
spectabilis, 46 
Sora, 67, 70, 71 
Sparrow, Chipping, 238 

English, 12i, 2*4. 240, 241, 254, 394 
European House, 240 
Field. 23t\ 239 
Fox, 243 

Grasshopper. 235, 272 
Henslow’s. 236 
Lincoln’s, 242 
Savanna, 234 
Song. 241. 242, 309 
Swamp, 243 
Tree. 237, 238. 282 
Vesper, 233,238 


Sparrow, White-crowned, 236 

White-throated, 224, 236, 237, 283 
Yellow-winged, 235 
Sparrows. 224, 282 

English, stomach contents of, 397, 398, 399 
Spatula, 39 
clypeata, 39 

Speotyto cunicularia hypogtea, 365, 366 
Sphyrapicus, 165. 168 
varius. 168, 169 
Spin us, 230 
pinus, 231 
tristis, 230 
Spiza, 249 

americana,249 
townsendii, 249 
Spizella. 237 

monticola, 237 
pusilla, 239 
socialis, 238 
Spoonbill, 39 
Koseate, 54 
Sprig-tail, 39 
Squawk, 64 
Steganopodes, 28 
Stelgidopteryx, 257 
serripeunis, 257 
Stercorariidte, 10 
Stercorarius, 11.12 
parasiticus, 12 
pomarinus, 11 
Sterna, i8 

antillarum, 22 
dougalli, 21 
forsteri, 19 
fuliginosa, 22 
hirundo, 20 
maxima, 19 
paradistea, 21 
tschegrava, 18 
Sterninae, 17 
Striges, 143 
Strigidae, 143, 144 
Strix, 144 

pratincola, 143,144, 360, 366 
Sturnella, 213 
magna, 213 
Storks, 53 
Surma, 159 

ulula caparoch, 159, 365, 366 
Swallow, Bank, 253, 256, 257 
Barn, 252, 253, 255, 309 
Chimney. 183 
Cliff, 252. 253, 254, 255 
Rough-winged, 253, 257 
Sand, *56 
Sea. *0 
Tree, 252, 256 
White-bellied, 256 
Swallows, 17, 252 
Sea, 10, 17 

Swan, Whistling, 51 
White. 52 
Swans, 30, 51, 52 

Swift, Chimney, 182, 183 
Swifts, 178, 182, 183 
Swimmers, 10 
Sylvanla, 300 

canadensis, 267, 271, 300 
mitrata. 2*»7, 271, 300 
pusilla, 267, 300 
Sylviidae, 320 
Symphemia, 92 
semipalmata, 92 
Syrmum, 150, 336 

nebulosum, 150, 336, 362, 366 
nebulosum alleni, 151, 362, 366 









INDEX. 


433 


T. 

Tachycineta, 256 
bicolor, 256 
Tanager, Scarlet, 250 
Summer, 252 
Tanagridas, 250, 267 
Tantalinae, 53 
Tantalus, 53 
loculator, 53 
Teal, Blue-winged, 38 
Green-winged, 37, 38 
Tell-tale, Greater, 88 
Lesser, 89 

Terms, Technical, Glossary of, 411-424 
Tern, 18 

Arctic, 21 
Black, 23, 24 
Caspian, 18 
Common, 20 
Forster’s, 19, 20 
Gull-billed, 18,19 
Least, 22 
Marsh, 18 
Roseate, 21 
Royal, 19 
Short-tailed, 23 
Sooty, 22, 23 
Wilson’s, 20 

Terns, 11,13,17, 18, 21, 22, 24 
Tetraonidae, 104 
Tetraonime, 107 
Thistle-bird, 230 
Thrasher, Brown, 304, 305 
Thrashers, 304 

Thrush, Bicknell’s, 324, 326 
Brown, 305, 306, 308 
Golden-crowned, 293 
Gray-cheeked, 325, 326 
Hermit, 326, 327 
Large-billed Water, 295 
Olive-backed, 326 
Small-billed Water, 294 
Tawney, 325 
Wilson’s. 325, 326 
Wood, 203, 324, 325 
Water, 271, 272, 294, 295 
Water, Louisiana, 271, 272, 295 
Thrushes, 272, 324 
Water, 296 

Thryothorus, 308 
bewickii, 309 
ludovicianus, 308 
Titlark, 303, 

Titlarks, 303 
Tilt-up, 94, 95 
Titmice, 167, 317, 318 
Titmouse, Black-cap, 318, 319, 320 
Tufted, 317, 318 
Tits, 314 
Tom-tit, 317 
Totanus, 88 
flavipes, 89 
melanoleucus, 88 
solitarius, 90 
Towhee, 224, 244 

Tringa, 83 

alpina pacifica, 8C 
canutus, 83 
fuscicollis, 85 
maculata, 84 
maritima, 84 
minutilla, 85, 87 
Trochili, 183 
Trochilidae, 183 
Trochilus, 183 
colubris, 183 

28 Birds. 


Troglodytes, 310 
aedon, 309, 310 
hiemalis, 310 
Troglodytidac, 304 
Troglodytinae, 307 
Tubinares, 25 
Turdidae, 324 
Turdinae, 324 
Turd us, 324 

aliciae, 325, 326 
aliciae, bicknelli, 226 
aonalaschkae pallasii, 326 
fuscescens, 325 
mustelinus, 324 
ustulatus swainsonii, 326 
Turkey, Water, 28, 58, 73 
Wild, 109, 110 
Turkeys, 28, 63,109 
Turnstone, 103 
Black, 103 
Turnstones, 103 

Tympanuchus, americanus, 104 
Tyrannidae, 186, 267 
Vyrannus, 186, 187 
tyrannus, 187 


U. 

Ulula, 151 

cinerea, 151 
Uria. 10 

lomvia, 10 
Urinator, 6 
imber, 6 
lumme, 8 
CJrinatoridae, 6 

V. 

Veery, 325 
Vireo, 263 

flavifrons, 265 
gilvus, 264 
noveboracensis, 266 
olivaceus, 263, 264 
pbiladeiphicus, 264 
solitarius, 265 

Vireo, Blue-headed, 262, 265 
Philadelphia, 262, 263, ,264 
Red-eyed, 262, 263 
Warbling, 262, 263, 264 
White-eyed, 262, 263, 266 
Fellow-throated, 262, 265 
Vireomdne, 262, 267 
V ireos, 262, 263 
Vireosylva, 263 
Vulture, Black, 114,117 
Turkey, 115 
Vultures, 114, 117 
American, 114,115 

W. 

Wagtail, Water, 294 
Warbler, Audubon’s, 273, 282, 283 
Bay-breasted. 285 
Black and White, 268, 272, 273, 286 
Blackburnian, 269, 287 
Black-poll, 286 
Black-throated Blue, 269, 281 
Black-throated Green, 270, 289 
Blue, 284 
Blue-winged, 275 
Blue-winged Yellow, 268, 272, 275 
Blue Yellow-backed, 279 
Brewster's, 277 
Canadian, 267, 271, 301 
Cape May, 279 










434 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Warbler, Cerulean, 269, 284 
Chestnut-sided, 269, 284, 285 
Connecticut, 297 
Golden-winged, 268, 276 
Hooded, 271, 300 
Kentucky, 271, 272, 296 
Kirtland’s, 270, 290, 291 
Magnolia, 269, 283 
Mourning. 271, 272,296, 298 
Myrtle. 267, 269, 273, 281, 282 
Nashville, 268, 277 
Orange-crowned, 278 
Palm, 272, 292 
Parula, 269, 272, 279 
Pine, 267, 270, 272, 273, 291, 292 
Prairie, 270,293 
Prothonotary, 268, 273 
Red-poll, 292 
Tennessee, 273, 278, 279 
Townsend’s, 290 
Wilson’s. 267,300, 301 
Worm-eating, 268, 274, 276 
Yellow, 269, 280 
Yellow-crown, 282 
Yellow Palm, 267, 272, 273, 279, 292 
Yellow-rump, 282 
Yellow-throated, 270, 288 
Warblers, 272, 273. 283, 293 
Wasp-hawk, 118 
Wax wing. Cedar, 258 
Bohemian, 257, 258 
Waxwings, 257, 267 
Whip-poor-will, 178, 179, 180, 181 
Whistler, 44, 45 
Wild-canary, 230 
Widgeon, American, 37 
Willet, 92 

Wink, Meadow, 206 
Woodcock, 79, 164 
American, 78 
European, 77 
Wood-hen, 79 
Wood-warblers, 267 


Woodpecker, American, Three-toed, 164 
Arctic Three-toed, 164 
Downy, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 316 
Hairy, 164, 165, 166,168,178, 316 
Pileated, 164, 170,171, 177, 178 
Pine-bark, 167 
Red-bellied, 164, 173, 175, 178 
Red-cockaded, 164,167, 177 
Red-headed, 164,172 
Yellow-bellied, 164,168 
Woodpeckers, 164, 170,174, 175,315 
Wood-snipe, 78 
Wren, Bewick’s, 307, 309 
Carolina, 307, 308,310 
Carolina, Great, 308 
House, 307, 309, 310, 312 
Long-billed Marsh, 307, 312, 313 
Marsh, 307 
Mocking, 308 

Short-billed Marsh, 307, 311 
Winter, 307, 308, 310,311 
Wrens, 304, 307 

X. 

Xanthocephalus, 212 
xanthocephalus, 212 

t 

Y. 

Yellow-bird, 230 
Yellow-legs, 89 
Greater, 88, 89 
Yellow-shanks, 89 
Greater, 88 

Yellow-throat, Maryland, 271, 272, 296, 298 

Z. 

Zenaidura, 113 
macroura, 113 
Zonotrichia, 236 
albicollis, 237 
loucophrys, 236 








SECTION 

SECTION 

SECTION 

SECTION 

SECTION 

SECTION 


SUPPLEMENT. 


1. —Descriptions of Additional Species, Etc. 

2. —Birds of the Delaware Valley. 

3. —Western Pennsylvania Field Notes. 

4. —Miscellaneous Notes. 

5. —How to Collect, Prepare and Preserve Specimens. 

6. —The Vacation Season. 


( 4 .%) 









\ 


I 




( 436 ) 

« • * 



/ 
















437 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


SECTION 1. 


Descriptions of Additional Species, Etc. 


OCEANITES OCEANICUS (Kuhl.). 
Wilson’s Petrel. 


Description. 

“Dark sooty-brown, pale gray oil the wing-coverts, black on wings and tail; the 
upper tail coverts, and frequently the crissum and sides of rump and base of tail, 
white; bill and feet black, but webs with a yellow spot; iris brown. Length 
7.00-8.00; extent about 16.00; wing about 6.00; tail 3.00, nearly even ; tibia bare 1.00; 
tarsus, 1.30; middle toe and claw, 1.10; bill, .50.”— Cones' Key. 

Habitat .—Atlantic and Southern oceans. 

Wilson’s Petrel, according to Cones' Key, is said to breed on our northern Atlantic 
coast. “Nest in burrows in the ground; egg single, white.” Besides feeding on 
different kinds of animal substances, particularly oily matter, which floats on the 
water’s surface, Wilson’s Petrels, some writers assert, have been seen flitting about 
rocky hillsides adjacent to their chosen oceanic retreats, capturing small insects 
witn almost the same ease and grace of a swallow. A single bird of this species— 
the only well-authenticated instance known to the writer of its occurrence in Penn¬ 
sylvania—is in the possession of Mr. Charles H. Eldon, Williamsport. This speci¬ 
men was taken about 250 miles northwest of Philadelphia, along the West Branch of 
the Susquehanna river, in June, 1887, by Mr. William Geist, shortly after a severe 
storm. The slightly rounded or nearly square tail, together with the long legs, and 
the oblong spaces of yellow on interdigital webs (as noted on page 27) will, with 
the small size, readily enable one to distinguish this bird from either of the other 
smaller petrels which are occasionally driven within our borders. 


Widgeon. 


ANAS PENELOPE Linn. 


Description. 

Very similar to the American Widgeon (see page 37). The markings of the head 
and neck as explained in the following analysis from Cones' Key show very clearly 
the difference between the two birds : 

“ A. penelope: Head and neck cinnamon-red, scarcely varied; with mere traces 
of green, if any ; top of head creamy or brownish-white. 

A. americana: Head and neck grayish, speckled with dusky, the sides of the 
head with a broad patch of green, the top white or nearly so.” 

Habitat. — Northern parts of the Old World. In North America breeds in the 
Aleutian Islands, and occurs occasionally in the Eastern United States. 

Stragglers of this species are said to have been taken along the Delaware river 
near Philadelphia. 







438 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


ANAS CRECCA Linn. 

European Teal. 


Description. 

Similar in size and general appearance to Anas carolinensis (see pages 37-38). 
No white on side of body in front of wing; the long scapular feathers are creamy 
white internally, and black externally. A. carolinensis has white crescent on side 
of body just anterior to the wing flexure, and the long scapulars are plain grayish- 
brown or dusky. 

Habitat .—Europe. Casual in eastern North America and the Aleutian Islands. 

I have seen two of these birds in the Philadelphia markets; possibly they were 
killed, as it was asserted by the dealer, near Philadelphia. Prof. August Koch, of 
Williamsport, Pa., has a young male in his collection that he obtained from Mr. 
Chas. H. Eldon. This bird, Mr. Eldon states, was captured in May, 1887, in Lycom¬ 
ing county. 

NYCTICORAX VIOLACEUS (Linn.). 


Yellow-crowned Night Heron. 


Description. 

Adult .—The bill is somewhat shorter and much thicker than in the black-crowned 
species to which it is very similar in size. General color grayish-lead, lighter below 
than above. Head and upper part of cervix bluish-black ; top of the head, most of 
the long occipital plumes, and a well-defined patch on side of head below the eye, 
white, tinged more or less with pale brownish-yellow. Large wing and tail feathers 
dark lead color; the feathers on middle and upper part of back quite dark with 
grayish-lead colored edges. Bill black ; eyes yellowish or reddish-yellow ; legs 
black and yellow. 

“ Young. —Above, grayisli-brown, with an olive shade, streaked and spotted with 
brownish-yellow ; below, streaked with brown and whitish ; sides of head and neck 
yellowish-brown, streaked with darker ; top of head and neck above behind black¬ 
ish, variegated with white. Bill blackish, with much of the lower mandible, and the 
lores, greenish-yellow; legs the same, obscured on front of tarsus; iris yellow.”—. 
Coues. 

Habitat. —Warm-temperate eastern North America, from the Carolinas and the 
Lower Ohio Valley south to Brazil; casually north to Massachusetts and west to 
Colorado. 

Until quite recently I was not aware that any birds of this southern species * had 
for many years past been captured, and positively identified, within our borders. 
I have, however, during the last two months had the pleasure of examining two 
immature birds, one taken in the early autumn, 1889, in the vicinity of Harrisburg, 
is in the cabinet of Mr. W. W. Stoey ; the other, in the possession of Mr. Charles H. 
Eldon, was captured in the fall, about three years ago, in Lycoming county. 


GRITS MEXICAN A (Mull.). 

Sandhill Crane. 


Description. 

Adult .—Entire plumage grayish-slate color, more or less tinged, especiallv on 
upper parts with rusty. Top of head and lores covered with a bare and granulated 
skin, reddish in color, with few blackish hairs, a point from occipital feathers extends 
towards the crown. Bill, legs and feet blackish. “Length, 44 inches; extent, 80 
inches.” 

Young .—Head feathered, plumage very much same in color as adult, but much 
more brownish. 


* See page 6*! for additional information relating to this species. 












BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


439 


Habitat .—Temperate regions of North America; rare in east but rather common 
in south and west. 

A very rare and irregular visitor to Pennsylvania. A tine adult female Sandhill 
Crane was shot by Dr. Thos. L. Hazzard, of Allegheny City, in the fall of 1878, along 
Pigeon creek, in Washington county, near Monongahela City. Dr. Hazzard 
mounted the bird, and at this writing has it in his collection. 


RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA Gm. 


American Avocet. 


Description. 

Bill very slender, decidedly recurved toward tip, and much longer than head. 
Tail short and square ; legs long and slender and dull-blue in color. Feet with four 
toes ; the three anterior toes full-webbed. 

Adult, summer dress .—Interscapular and inner scapular feathers and wings 
brownish-black. Tail feathers light grayish-blue ; under parts, lining of wings, 
outer scapulars, middle of back and rump, white ; chin and front of face whitish; 
head and neck more or less tinged with reddish-brown ; bill, black; iris, brownish. 

“ Adult ( and young ) in ivinter .—Head, neck and breast, white, more or less tinged 
with pale bluisli-gray, especially on crown and nape. * * * Total length, about 
17.00 to 18.75 inches; extent, 30 to 36; culmen, 3.40-3.65; tarsus, 3.70-3.80.” —Water 
Birds. 

Habitat .—Temperate North America, from the Saskatchewan and Great Slave 
Lake southward ; in winter, south to Guatemala and the West Indies. Rare in the 
Eastern Province. 

Very rare or accidental summer visitor. Hon. J. J. Libhart, about twenty years 
ago, obtained two of these birds in the late summer, along the Susquehanna river 
in Lancaster county. Mr. Wm. J. Sherratt, of Philadelphia, informs me that an 
Avocet was killed in the latter part of August, 1888, along the Delaware river, near 
Philadelphia. Formerly this species was often met with on the coast of New Jersey 
where now it is rarely if ever found. According to Dr. Coues this bird is abundant 
in the west, especially in the alkaline regions. 


TRINGA BAIRDII (Coues). 

Baird’s Sandpiper. 

• Description. 

Bill small, slender, rather shorter than the head, equal to the tarsus, the tip 
scarcely expanded, its tips very acute. Grooves in both mandibles very long and 
deep, that of the lower very narrow. Feathers extending on the side of lower man¬ 
dible much farther than those on the upper, about half as far as those between the 
rami. Wings, long ; first and second primaries about equal, but varying, third 
much shorter; tertials long, slender, flowing. Tail rather long, but slightly doubly 
marginate, the central feathers rounded, projecting but little. Toes long, slender, 
slightly margined, the middle with its claw about equal to tarsus. 

Adult in breeding plumage.— Entire upper parts a very dark brownish-black, 
deeper on the rump and lighter on the neck behind, each feather bordered and tipped 
with light reddish-yellow; on the scapulars the tips broader and nearly pure white, and 
the margins brighter, making several deep indentations towards the shaft. Uppertail- 
coverts long, extending to within half an inch of the tips of the central tail-feathers, 
black, except the outer series, which are white with dusky markings. Central tail- 
feathers brownish-black, the rest successively lighter, and all with a narrow border of 
white. Jugulum with a very decided light brownish suffusion (much as in T. macu- 
lata) , and, together with the sides under the wings to some distance, with rounded ob¬ 
solete spots and streaks of dusky. Throat and under parts generally white, immacu¬ 
late. Bill, legs and feet black. 





440 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Young in August .—Dimensions and proportions as in adult. Upper parts a nearly 
uniform light ashv-brown, deeper on the rump, each feather with a central dark field 
and with alight edge, these whitish edgings usually conspicuous. Traces of the brown¬ 
ish-black of the adult on the scapulars. Breast and j ugulum with the suffusion very 
light reddish-brown, the streaks sparse and very indistinct. Length, 7.00-7.50; ex¬ 
tent, 15.25-16.50; wing, 4.25-4.75; tail, 2.25; bill, tarsus and middle toe with claw, 
about 0.87. Colors almost exactly as in Least Sandpiper ; edgings of upper plumage 
rather tawny than chestnut; j ugular suffusion pale, rather fulvous, the streaks small 
and sparse, sometimes almost obsolete. Size of White-rumped Sandpiper, but not 
easily confounded with that white-rumped species.— Coues ’ Key. 

Habitat .—North America in general ; chiefly in the interior. Rare on Atlantic 
coast, but common in some parts of the west during migrations. 

Baird’s Sandpiper, named by Dr. Elliott Coues, in honor of the late Spencer F. 
Baird, whose early ornithological work was begun in Pennsylvania, breeds along 
the Arctic coast in June and J uly. In the United Spates it is recorded only as a pass¬ 
ing visitor in the spring and fall. During migrations, Dr. Coues informs us, it is 
the most abundant of all the small sandpipers in some sections of the west. Mr. 
W. E. Clyde Todd informs me he shot, September 16, 1889, a single bird of this 
species in company with a couple of Semi pal mated plovers, near the town of Beaver, 
Pa. I am not aware that any other specimens of Baird’s Sandpiper have ever been 
taken in our state. 


HiEMATOPUS PALLIATUS Temm. 

American Oyster-catcher. 

Description. 

“Feet, three-toed, very stout and rough, red. Bill, stout, straight, longer than 
head, much compressed, truncate at ends something like a Woodpecker’s, red. 
Head and neck sooty blackish, changing to brownish-black on the back and wings. 
Under parts of the neck, white; a large white space on the wings. A red ring 
around the eyes. Sexes alike. Length about 18 inches ; extent, 34 inches.”— Coues. 

Habitat. —Sea-coasts of temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey and 
Lower California to Patagonia ; occasional or accidental on the Atlantic coast north 
to Massachusetts and Grand Menan. 

Very rare or accidental visitor from the sea-coast. A specimen of this species, 
captured about fifteen years ago, is in the museum at Lancaster city. 

The late C. D. Wood informed me that two of these birds were shot, about eight 
years ago, on an island in the Delaware river near Philadelphia. 


SECTION 2. 

Birds of the Delaware Valley. 


[Note.— The author is indebted to Dr. Charles C. Abbott, Curator, Museum of 
American Archaeology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Penna., for the 
following notes concerning species in the valley of the Delaware river, in the vicinity 
of Bristol, Bucks county, Penna. Numbers in parenthesis after the common names 
refer to other pages in this volume where additional information concerning the 
bird will be found.] 


I 










BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


441 


Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern (55, 56). Occasionally seen during the 
winter in the valley ot the Delaware. 

Botaurus exilis. Least Bittern (56, 57). Breeds annually, but is not abundant, 
in the meadows along the Delaware river in Bucks county and on the opposite 
shore (New Jersey). 

Aide a herodias. Great Blue Heron (57 , 58, 59). Not uncommon during the 
winter.* 

Nycncorax violaceus. Yellow-crowned Night Heron (66). “Stragglers noted in 
Delaware \alley, near Bristol, within three years. For several years Nycticorax 
violaceus was to be iound in the woods reaching nearly to the river, on the McCall- 
Cadwallader properties, just beyond the then limits of Trenton, N. J. This was in 
1860-65; since then they have disappeared from that neighborhood. I have twice 
shot specimens on the meadows below Trenton ; one specimen of which I gave to 
the late John Cassin, of Philadelphia, then our leading ornithologist. In the summer 
of 1875, James Allinson, living near me, just out of Trenton, N. J., brought me a 
specimen that had been killed on his farm. 1 do not think he preserved it.” 

Rallus elegans. King Rail (67, 68). “ A regular summer resident near Bristol, 

Pa. Have found several nests.” 

Fulica americana. Coot (74, 75). “A pair of Coots nested near the mouth of 
Crosswick’s creek in the summer of 1889. This is in Burlington county, New Jersey, 
directly opposite Penn’s Manor, Bucks county, so I doubt not they are to be found 
nesting in Pennsylvania also ; but, of course, only rarely.” 

Totanus solitarius. Solitary Sandpiper (90, 91). “Have positive knowledge of 
at least one nest on Jersey shore of Delaware river.” 

Strix pratincola. Barn Owl (144, 145, 146). “Still found near Bristol. Breeds 
in hollow trees ; preferably single trees in open fields.” 

Surnia ulula caparoch. Hawk Owl (159). “Have seen two specimens taken in 
the valley of the Delaware. One was caught in Mercer county, New Jersey, in 
a barn, in December, 1858 (or January, 1859), and identified by myself. In 1861, I 
saw a specimen in the flesh, at Rutger’s College, New Brunswick. Some one 
brought it in to the late Prof. George H. Cools, State Geologist. The late George 
Collins, of Trenton, N. J., taxidermist, had a specimen brought to him in winter of 
1876-77 (or in 1877-78). It was at a time when an unusual flight of Snowy Owls 
occurred. The specimen \\ r as shot on the sea coast and brought to Mr. Collins with 
several owls. All these specimens were sent to England.” 

Agelaius pheeniceus. Swamp Blackbird (210, 211, 212). Not an uncommon fea¬ 
ture of the midwinter landscape in Bucks county.f They were even abundant in 
January, 1891, along the river at Bristol, Pa. 

Quiscalus quiscula. Crow Blackbird (219-224). Not as rare in winter, in Dela¬ 
ware valley, as stated of it, in the interior counties. 

Spizella socialis. Chippy (238, 239). A few remain during the winter. 

Melospizageorgiana. Swamp Sparrow (243). Breeds abundantly in Bucks county 
along the river, and many remain throughout the year. 

Habia ludoviciana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (246, 247). There is a large colony 
of these birds in Buckscounty, where they breed ; and on the Jersey shore opposite, 
they are even more abundant. They appeared about 1880 in numbers, remaining to 
breed and have yearly become more abundant. 

Mniotilta varia. Black and White Creeper (273). This w r arbler can safely be 
stated to arrive as early as April 1st and to remain until late in November. Dr. 
Joseph de B. Abbott, of Bristol, is confident he has seen this bird in midwinter. 

Setophaga ruticilla. Redstart (302). Breeds in Rocky Woods, Bucks county 
(near Bristol), and abundantly in New Jersey. 


♦Solitary individuals of this species are not unfrequently to be met with, in suitable localities, during 
mild winters, especially early in the season, in different parts of the state.—B. H. Wakken. 

f Birds of this species have been observed by me in midwinter (1888 and 1890) in company with different 
kinds of sparrows, near Jenkintown, Montgomery county, also in the vicinity of Doylestown and Quaker- 
town, Bucks county.—B. H. Warren 







442 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Oaleoscoptes carolinensis. Catbird (305). There are always to be found over¬ 
staying catbirds in the valley of the Delaware. Am inclined to think the number 
of winter catbirds is increasing. Certainly it is not a mere freak and of no scientific 
import. 

dTarporhynchus ru/us. Brown Thrush (305, 306). Yearly a few “pioneer” 
thrushes are seen in March in the neighborhood of Bristol. 


SECTION 3. 

Western Pennsylvania Field Notes. 


From Observations in Beaver, Butler, Armstrong and Allegheny 

Counties. 

[The following extracts are taken from manuscript “Notes on the avifauna of 
Beaver, Butler and Armstrong counties,” prepared for use of the author, by Mr. W. 
E. Clyde Todd, Beaver, Beaver county, Penna. Numbers after common names 
refer to other pages in this book where additional information concerning the bird 
is given. ] 

Phalaropus lobatus. Northern Phalarope (76). Secured a bird of this species on 
“the 26th of September, 1890,” in Beaver county. 

Empidonax minimus. Least Flycatcher (197). “This bird is a tolerably com¬ 
mon breeder in Beaver, Butler and Armstrong counties. Its favorite nesting resorts 
are orchards of young trees, more rarely the margins of woods. A nest now before 
me, taken in an orchard in the town of Beaver on June 6, 1890, I note to be made of 
grasses, weed-stalks, other vegetable fibers, horsehair and bits of cloth, lined with 
horsehair and feathers. The structure was quite neat, and was saddled on a hori¬ 
zontal branch of an apple tree, abouttwelve feet Irom the ground. Eggs, four, white 
and unspotted, with just the lightest possible yellowish tint.” 

Octocoris alpestris praticola. Horned Lark (197, 198). June 10, 1889, I saw a 
pair of these birds in Butler, where doubtless they had bred or were breeding. 

Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobolink (205-208). A common breeder in Beaver, But¬ 
ler and Armstrong counties, nesting in meadows in June. 

Habia ludoviciana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (246, 247). Common summer resi¬ 
dent in Beaver, Butler and Armstrong counties. “The nests are readily found, 
as the male, when not incubating, is always sure to be singing in the immediate 
vicinity. In Beaver county they nest to a great extent in orchards and other places 
near the habitations of men, but in Butler and Armstrong counties, where the 
country is wilder, they prefer to build in thick woodland, in which case a crotch of a 
slender sapling is generally chosen, making the nest usually difficult to secure. A 
large series of nests differ very little in their style and make-up, being composed 
merely of broken weed stalks lined with finer material of the same sort, and with a 
bottom often so thin that the eggs were easily counted from below. These are three 
or four in number, very rarely five, and vary much in character, even in the same 
set, what may be considered a typical egg, being of a rather light green color, 
spotted over with brownish-red, especially about the larger end. The ground color 
may vary either way, as may also the abundance and definite character of the 
markings.” 

Helmitherus vermivorus. Worm-eating Warbler (274, 275). “Three specimens 
were seen near Beaver, August 16, 1888, of which two were secured. No more were 
noticed in the county until May 28, 1890, when a nest was found in a patch of woods 
locally known as ‘Pine Grove.’ This nest was a rather flimsy affair, built on the 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


443 


ground on a hillside, under a drift of dry leaves, and was discovered by watching 
the movements of the parent birds. It was made of skeletonized dry leaves and 
weed stalks, lined with finer wiry weed stalks. The five nearly fresh eggs it con¬ 
tained were white in color, dotted all over, but most thickly toward the larger end, 
with reddish-brown. In Butler and Armstrong counties I found the species to be 
tolerably common.” 

Helminthophila chrysoptera. Grolden-winged Warbler (276). In Beaver county 
this species is a tolerably common summer resident, I having found the old and 
young together in July, besides having noticed the birds throughout the other 
spring and summer months. In Butler and Armstrong counties it is perhaps more 
common as a breeder. 

Dendroica maculosa. Magnolia Warbler (269, 283, 284). This species, an abun¬ 
dant migrant in Beaver county, I discovered breeding in Butler county during my 
stay there in May and June, 1889. 

Dendroica ccerulea. Cerulean Warbler (269, 284). “This species, reported to be 
exceedingly rare in most sections, is here common as a migrant and tolerably com¬ 
mon as a summer resident. (But compare, in this connection, Wheaton per Coues, 
Birds of the Northwest, p. 233.) It has not as yet been found in Butler and Arm¬ 
strong counties. In the breeding season it is partial to high, open oak woods as well 
as to low, damp, beech woodland, in which place I often see five or six pairs in the 
course of as many hours’ walk. Inhabiting, as it does, the terminal foliage of the 
highest forest trees, it would easily be liable to be overlooked even by the most 
careful of observers, were it not for the peculiar notes ot the male, which are readily 
distinguished from those of any other warbler, and which suffice to detect its pres¬ 
ence. I can scarcely describe this song, beyond saving that it is withal a genuine 
warbler song, and that its last notes somewhat resemble the ‘ drumming ’ of our 
locust ( Cicada ); but once heard it is not apt to be forgotten. It was with these facts 
in mind that on May 24, 1890, I determined to put my previous experience to a test 
in finding the nest of the species. Proceeding to a patch of w oodland in which I 
had previously located tw r o pairs, I quickly discovered one of the males, and in the 
course of half an hour his mate appeared, whereupon I transferred my attention to 
her. After an hour’s patient watching she at last w r as seen to go to her nest, which 
was thus discovered to be saddled on the fork of a horizontal branch of a certain 
kind of tree, far out from the trunk, and fully fifty feet from the ground. The only 
way that it could possibly be reached w as by climbing a tall, slim butternut tree 
adjacent, thus enabling one to scoop out the eggs by means of a net attached to the 
end of a pole. However, on May 26 the plan was successfully carried out, though 
not without considerable risk ; in addition the nest was secured and the female bird 
shot, thus putting the identification beyond question. The male came about at the 
time, but apparently manifested little concern. The nest w r as a small, neat structure, 
tightly fastened to its branch, and composed mainly of w eed stalks and strips of bark, 
though the outside, whose texture was rendered firmer by means of a plentiful sup¬ 
ply of saliva and cobwebs, presented a decidedly white appearance owing to the 
color of the stems composing it, as well as to the bits of paper and hornets’ nestadded. 
The lining was simply finer weed stalks. It contained three eggs of the warbler 
and one of the cowbird, all fresh, so that the set w'as probably incomplete. In color 
they almost exactly resemble a set of American Redstart’s in my collection, differ¬ 
ing only in being slightly shorter. The ground color is white, with a rather decided 
suggestion of bluish-green, spotted over, in the style of most warblers, with reddish-, 
brown, the spots tending to aggregate at and around the larger end. Both the eggs, 
the nest, and the female bird are now' in the collection of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, of 
Washington, D. C. ” 

Dendroicapensylvanica. Chestnut-sided Warbler (269, 284, 285). “ An abundant 

migrant in Beaver county, spring and fall. 1 have taken and seen immature birds 
in August on two occasions (August 18, 1888, and August 24, 1889), which would 
indicate that its breeding resorts cannot be much, if any, farther north. The case is 




444 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


r 


very different, however, in Butler and Armstrong counties. There every patch of 
hazel thicket has its pair of Chestnut-sided Warblers, or, if extensive, its several 
pairs, the gay and sprightly male ever prominent on its outskirts or on some shrub 
in its midst, constantly uttering his short but sweetly modulated song, while in its 
more secluded haunts his less gaudily-attired mate is faithfully guarding her fragile 
treasures. Notwithstanding this clue, their nests are hard to find ; after many vain 
searches I at last succeeded in finding one (June 3, 1889) containing four highly 
incubated eggs. It was built in a crotch of a hazel stalk about four and one-half feet 
from the ground. The eggs were an extremely light shade of greenish-white, 
spotted with reddish-brown and the usual lilac shell-markings, especially about the 
larger end. The nest was composed of grasses, weed-stalks, bark-strips and glisten¬ 
ing fiber from the milk-weed plant, lined with horsehair and fine wiry weed-stalks. 
It was a noticeable fact that this warbler was found only on the high dry ground.” 

Dendroica virens. Black-throated Green Warbier (289). Abundantasa migrant 
in Beaver county, but in Butler and Armstrong counties a common summer resident, 
being found in rich coniferous woods, where its peculiar filing notes were constantly 
heard. No nests were found, but I observed it continually until my departure on 
June 14. ( Dendroica ccerulescens , whose range is known to be otherwise coincident 

with that of virens , will doubtless also be found nesting here in time ) 

Geothlypis formosa. Kentucky Warbler (271, 296, 297). Rare summer resident 
in Beaver county. 

Geothlypis Philadelphia. Mourning Warbler (271, 297). “ Two specimens have 

been taken thus far, one on May 11, 1889, and the other on May 21, 1890, which dates, 
though in different years, probably represented the extremes of the migratory 
movement at this place.” 

Icteria virens. Yellow-breasted Chat (271, 299). A common summer resident 
in Beaver county, the country being apparently well-adapted to its needs. I did not 
meet with it in Butler and Armstrong counties. Its arrival occurs during the lastof 
April or first of May, and by the end of the latter month or early in June nests with 
eggs are to be found. 

Sylvania mitrata. Hooded Warbler (271, 300). “Two individuals of this rare 
Warbler were seen in migration September 13, 1890, one of which was secured, and 
another was noticed on the 25th.” 

Sylvania canadensis. Canadian Warbler (271, 301). A common migrant in 
'Beaver county, but in Butler and Armstrong counties a common summer resident, 
breeding in thickets in low damp places, preferably in woods along the banks of 
streams, where its pretty song is constantly heard. 

Polioptila ccerulea. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (323, 324). “In Beaver county this 
species is a common summer resident, but in Butler and Armstrong counties it is 
conspicuous by its absence. They begin to build immediately upon their arrival 
about April 18, their nests being readily found by watching the parent birds. * * * 
The eggs, usually five in number, are very small and delicate; a pale green color 
dotted with well-defined small brown spots, which tend to aggregate at the larger 
end.” 

Tardus fuscescens. Wilson’s Thrush (325) This bird has heretofore been con¬ 
sidered to be a transient visitor in Pennsylvania, breeding but very rarely, and then 
chiefly in mountainous districts, but in Butler and Armstrong counties I found it 
to be a common breeder. Referring to a nest with eggs of this bird found in Butler 
.county, May 27, 1889, by Mr. James Myers and Mr. Todd, the gentleman last named 
writes in substance as follows : The bird was flushed from her nest, which was 
built on the ground in a high woods with a thick undergrowth of laurel and huckle¬ 
berry. The nest, composed of leaves, strips of bark and weed stalks, with broken 
leaves as a lining, was placed on a mound of leaves, surrounded and canopied over 
with huckleberry bushes. Measurements: diameter, outside, 5 inches; depth, 4 
inches ; cavity, 2f by 2? inches. Three eggs, slightly incubated, same shade of 
bluish-green as Wood Thrush ( Tardus mustelinus ), but of course smaller. 















BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA . 


445 


“ I have never as yet found this species in Beaver county, either as a summer resi¬ 
dent, or as a transient visitant, although the other species of the genus native to the 
eastern United States are abundant in their season.” 

Note.— Unless otherwise specified, the remarksabove given refer to Beavercounty. 
“ The records from Butler and Armstrong counties were obtained during a stay there 
extending from May 15 to June 14, 1889, and are necessarily not so full as could be 
wished. The locality in question is near the postoflice of Leasuresville, Butler 
county, about six miles directly north of the town of Freeport, in Armstrong county. 
Buffalo creek is the principal stream, and it is in the narrow valleys which are rarely 
a hundred feet wide, of the brooks emptying into this, that bird-life is most abund¬ 
ant and varied. * * * The dissimilarity between the avifauna of Beaver county 
on the one hand, and that of Butler and Armstrong counties on the other, may be 
still further exemplified by the following table, in which the status of certain species 
for the two sections respectively are given in parallel columns 


Beaver County. 


‘ ‘ Ardea Direscens . 

Myiarchus crinitus . 

Otocoris aipestris praticola. 
Piranga erythromelas. . . 

Vireo olivaceus, . 

Mniotilta varia, . 

Helmitherus vermitiorus, . 
Helrninthophila chrysoptera 
Compsothlypis americana, 
Dendroica maculosa, . . . 
Dendroica caerulea, .... 
Dendroica pensylvanica, . 
Dendroica blackbumiw, 

Dendroica virens, . 

Seiurus aurocapillus, . . . 
Seiurus motacilla, .... 

Icteria virens . 

Sylvania canadensis, . . . 
Setophaga ruticilla, .... 
Thryothorus ludovicanus. . 

Troglodytes cedon . 

Polioptila caerulea, .... 
Turdus f uscescens, .... 


Breeds; common. 

Breeds; tolerably common. . . 

Not found. 

Breeds; tolerably common. . . 

i Breeds; common. 

Breeds; tolerably common, . . 

Breeds; rare, . 

Breeds; tolerably common, . . 

Migrant; rare, . 

Migrant only. 

Breeds; tolerably common, . . 

Migrant only,. 

Migrant only,. 

Migrant only, . 

Breeds; tolerably common. . . 
Breeds; tolerably common. . . 

Breeds; common. 

Migrant only. 

Breeds; common,. 

Breeds; common. 

Breeds; common. 

Breeds; common. 

Not present. 


Butler and Armstrong 
Counties. 


Not found. 

Breeds; abundant. 

Breeds; rare. 

Breeds; abundant. 

Breeds; abundant. 

Breeds; common. 

Breeds; tolerably common 
Breeds; more common. 
Breeds; tolerably common 
Breeds; rare. 

Not present. 

Breeds; common. 

Breeds; rare. 

Breeds; common. 

Breeds; abundant. 

Breeds; common. 

Not present. * 

Breeds; common. 

Not present. 

Not found. 

Not found. 

Not present. 

Breeds; common." 


Additional Notes from Reaver County. 

[These notes have been compiled from an unpublished “ List of the Birds of 
Beaver County, Pennsylvania,” recently prepared and kindly forwarded to the 
author by Mr. H. H. Wickham, of Beaver City. Numbers following common names 
refer to pages in this volume where additional information relating to the bird will 
be found. ] 

Larus argantatus smithsonianus. Herring Gull (14). Not an uncommon mi¬ 
grant. It is often observed in company with Terns on the Ohio river. 

Phalacrocorax dilophus. Cormorant (28, 29;. Rare migrant. One seen in the 
spring of 1889. Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd obtained a specimen November 16, 1889. 
Another individual of this species was observed by Mr. Wickham, April 16, 1890. 

Anas hoschas. Mallard (35, 86). Occurs singly or in pairs during migrations. Itis 
seldom, if ever, seen in flocks around here, but often mingles with the smaller ducks, 
and accompanies them on their journeys. 

Aythya ajfinis. Lesser Scaup Duck (44). This is one of our most common mi¬ 
grants, and is one of the first water fowl to arrive in the spring. During stormy 
weather many of these ducks are shot on small ponds back of town ( Beaver). The 
food of this duck seems to consist of sand and small pieces of shells. Its flesh is not 
regarded with favor by epicures. 

Erismatura rubida. Ruddy Duck (48, 49). Common migrant, but not as abund¬ 
ant as affinis. The flesh of the Ruddy Duck is highly esteemed as an article of food. 


Breeds near Kittanning. Armstrong county.—B. II. WARREN. 





























































446 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA 


Colinus virginianus. Quail (104-106). An abundant resident. The stomachs of 
several quail which were shot in the months of October and November, 1888, were 
examined by me and found to be full of the seeds of rag-weed.* T'he stomach of one 
shot in March, 1889, contained large black seeds and pieces.of cabbage. 

Bonasa umbellus. Ruffed Grouse (104, 107-109). Resident; some years very 
plentiful. Have on several occasions observed these birds in weed fields that were 
fully half a mile from any woodland. It appears to wander at times away from the 
woods in search of gravel and the seeds of particular kinds of weeds. The food ol 
the Ruffed Grouse in this locality, seems to consist chiefly of dogwood berries when 
they can be obtained ; insects are also fed upon to some extent during the summer. 

Ectopistes migratorius. Wild Pigeon (111-113;. A rare straggler. October 16, 
1888, I observed a fair-sized flock of these birds feeding in a field near Beaver. 

Pandion haliaetus carolinensis. Fish haWk (142, 143). Not known to breed, but 
occasionally seen flying up and down the Ohio river. 

Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. Black-billed Cuckoo (161). Tolerably common 
summer resident, but less numerous than the yellow-billed species. Breeds in brier 
patches and thickets. 

Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Red-headed Woodpecker (172, 173). Common 
summer resident. Saw four of these birds February 28, 1891. 

Quiscalus quiscula ceneus. Bronzed Grackle (224). Common summer resident. 
I have seen the Crow Blackbird rob a Baltimore Oriole’s nest, and after devouring 
the eggs, attack the Orioles and drive them quite a distance from their home. Very 
little damage is done to crops in this locality by the Grackle. 

Cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal (245, 246). Tolerably common resident. 

Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides.] White-rumped Shrike (260-262). Rare 
summer resident. I have found one or two nests of this bird in the county. 

Dendroica coroncita. Myrtle Warbler (281, 282). A regular migrant and supposed 
to winter here. 

Dendroica ccerulea. Cerulean Warbler (269,284). Summer resident; common 
in spring but rather rare in summer. 

Seiurus motacilla. Louisiana Water Thrush (271, 295). Tolerably common in 
summer. 

Birds of Allegheny County. 

[Through the courtesy of Dr. A. D. Johnston, of Allegheny City, the author has 
been permitted to make the subjoined extracts from the Doctor’s unpublished field 
notes. The numbers in parentheses, after the common names, refer to other pages 
in this volume, where additional information concerning the bird will be found.] 

Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern (55, 56). Regular spring and fall mi¬ 
grant. 

Botaurus exilis. Least Bittern (56, 57). Straggler. William M. Boyd captured 
one at McVille, in Armstrong county. 

Ardea ccerulea. Little Blue Heron (62, 63). A straggler of this species was taken 
by William H. Keener above Freeport, in Armstrong county, in 1886. It wore the 
adult blue phase. 

Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Red-headed Woodpecker (172, 173). Resident. 
Have often seen them storing acorns under the bark of the shellbark hickory, which 
stores they would visit daily throughout the winter. 

Empidonax minimus. Least Flycatcher (197). Breeds abundantly in this county. 

Bunco hyemalis. Snowbird(240). Resident. 

Passerella iliaca. Fox Sparrow (243, 244). Migrant; stragglers are occasionally 
seen in winter. 

Cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal (245, 246). Found throughout the year along 
the Allegheny river in Allegheny, Westmoreland and Armstrong counties. 

* Ambrosia artemisicefolia, Linn. 

t Mr. Todd writes me that he has never met with any shrike other than the Great Northern (L. bore¬ 
alis) in Butler county.—B. H. Warren. 











BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


447 


Habia ludoviciana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (246, 247). Breeds regularly along 
the Ohio river in this county. 

Piranga rubra. Summer Tanager (252). A pair of these rare birds bred last 
summer (1890) on the west bank of the Ohio, near this city. 

Vireo solitarius. Blue-headed Vireo (265). Regular breeder, but not abundant. 

Vireo flavifrons. Yellow-throated Vireo (265). Found these birds breeding along 
the Beaver river in Beaver county, and in the Allegheny valley, Armstrong county. 

Helminthophila pinus. Blue-winged Warbler (268, 275, 276). Rare migrant and 
summer resident. 

Helminthophila chrysoptera. Golden-winged Warbler (268, 276). Regular breeder. 

Dendroicapensylvanica. Chestnut-sided Warbler (269, 284, 285). Regular breeder 
but not common. 

Dendroica blackburnice. Blackburnian Warbler (269, 287, 288). Regular breeder 
in this county, and it also breeds regularly along Buffalo creek in Armstrong county. 
Very shy, hiding in the tops of the tall spruce pines. 

Dendroica dominica. Yellow-throated Warbler (270, 288). Straggler. Took a 
specimen, the only one I ever saw here, in Chartiers valley, Allegheny county, in 1890. 

Dendroica virens. Black-throated Green Warbler (270, 289). Breeds regularly. 

Geothlypis formosa. Kentucky Warbler (271, 296, 297). Breeds regularly. This 
bird is not uncommon in Allegheny and Beaver counties. 

Sylvania canadensis. Canadian Warbler (271, 301). Saw a pair of these beautiful 
warblers near Corn planter run in Armstrong county, last June (1890), and, judging 
from their actions, I felt convinced they had nest in the vicinity. 

Thryothorus bewickii. Bewick’s Wren (309, 310). Rare visitor.' 

Parus bicolor. Tufted Titmouse (318). Common resident in Allegheny and 
Armstrong counties. 

Polioptila ccerulea. Gnatcatcher (323, 324). Regular summer resident. 

Tardus f uscescens. Wilson’s Thrush (325). Common summer resident in Butler 
county, and along Cornplanter run on western borderof Armstrong county. “Nearly 
every extensively-wooded stream in Butler county is made vocal by the ineffable 
song of Wilson’s Thrush from about the 20th of May until the last of July. 1 have 
found ten pairs breeding along the course of a small stream. What music, there in 
the evening, about sundown ! I have never been able to leave the spot until the last 
note reverberated through the still woods. Antiphonal, for they seem to answer one 
another continually. The Veery is a ventriloquist. I have caught him practicing 
this art while observing him through a field glass.” 

Tardus ustulatus swainsonii. Olive-backed Thrush (326). Regular spring and 
fall migrant. 

Tardus aonalaschkce pallasii. Hermit Thrush (326, 327). Regular spring and fall 
migrant. 

Harporhynchus r uf us. Brown Thrush (305, 306). Of five nests discovered bv 
me in 1889 and 1890, four were on the ground. 

Galeoscoples carolinensis. Catbird (305). Witnessed the robbery of an English 
sparrow’s nest last summer (1890) by a Catbird. The sparrows defended their 
treasure with great courage, but their enemy persisted until the eggs were taken. 

Birds of Greene County. 

[The following notes have been compiled from an unpublished list of birds of 
Greene county, prepared for the author’s use by Mr. J. Warren Jacobs, of Waynes- 
burg, Pa. The numbers after common names refer to other pages in the work where 
the species is mentioned.! 

Aythya vallisneria. Canvas-back Duck (42). Rare straggler during spring and 
fall migrations. 

Ardea candidissima. Snowy Heron (60) . Straggler ; two were killed in 1885. 

Ectopistes migratorius. Wild Pigeon (111). Straggler; flock of seven noted 
in summer of 1888. 




448 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Cathartes aura. Turkey Vulture (115). Resident. 

Buteo latissimus. Broad-winged Hawk (130). Occasional breeder. 

Ceopliloeus pileatus. Pileated Woodpecker (170). Breeds regularly. 

Melanerpes carolinus. Red-bellied Woodpecker (173). Breeds regularly. 
Empidonax pusillus trail!ii. Traill’s Flycatcher (196). Breeds regularly. 
Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobolink (205). Breeds; Mr. L. W. Sayers found nest 
with five eggs in 1887. 

Melospiza yeorgiana. Swamp Sparrow (243). Breeds regularly. 

Cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal (245). Resident. 

Spiza americana. Dickcissel (249, 250). Breeds occasionally. 

Lanius ludovicianus. Loggerhead Shrike (261). Breeds regularly. 

Helmitherus vermivorus . Worm-eating Warbler (274). Breeds regularly. 
Dendroica pensylvanica. Chestnut-sided Warbler (284). Summer resident. 
Seiurus motacilla. Louisiana Water-Thrush (29o). Breeds regularly. 

Geothlypis formosa. Kentucky Warbler (296). Summer resident. 

Mimuspolyglottos. Mockingbird (304). Straggler; May, 1888. 

Thryothorus bewickii. Bewick’s Wren (309). Breeds regularly. 

Poliojitila ccerulea. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (323). Breeds regularly. 


SECTION 4. 

Miscellaneous Notes. 


[Note.— Numbers after scientific names refer toother pages in this volume where 
mention is made of the same bird.] 

The Olive-backed Thrush (Turdus ustulatus swainsonii). 325,326. Although 
given by most writers as breeding chiefly north of the United States, and rarely being 
found south of the New England states during the breeding season, this bird is a com¬ 
mon summer resident in the forests of the Alleghenies near the town of Kane, 
McKean county, where it arrives in April and remains until October. The Olive- 
backed Thrush, like others of its genus, is a beautiful songster. When the female 
is engaged with eggs or young the male locates himself on the top, usually a dead 
limb or twig, of a high tree or bush, from whence his clear flute-like notes may be 
heard, frequently at a distance of half a mile. Although occasionally heard during 
midday, especially in cloudy weather, this exquisite minstrel seems to prefer the 
early morning and the waning hours of day to echo his melodious strains 
through the wild and picturesque haunts, the natal grounds doubtless of his fore¬ 
fathers. 

Five nests with eggs or young of this bird were found in the summer of 1891, by 
Mr. A. K. Pierce, of Renovo, in a swampy, bushy, briery and open woods along the 
Philadelphia and Erie railroad, about half a mile west of the town of Kane. June 
14th Mr. Pierce discovered three nests, each containing three eggs, and in the early 
part of July when on a second visit to the locality he found two more nests, one 
with three young birds recently hatched, the other nest contained two young and a 
spoiled egg. These nests, all placed in the upright forks of maple bushes, were 
built from three to eight feet above the swampy and rocky ground. This bird builds 
quite a compact, bulky and conspicuous nest, which can be found as easily as that 
of the Wood Thrush. The Wood Thrush and the American Robin both employ 
mud in making their nests, but the Olive-backed Thrushes use no mud in con¬ 
structing their houses. 








BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


449 


When breeding the old birds are easily approached, and can, according to the ex¬ 
perience of Mr. Pierce, sometimes be caught by hand when incubating, but soon as 
the young are able to fly and take care of themselves, these thrushes, both old and 
young, become so shy that the writer experienced much difficulty in approaching 
within gun-shot of them. The nest is composed externally of dried grasses, bits of 
moss and bark fibers, internally it is lined with fine rootlets and hair moss. The 
eggs, three or four in number, and a trifle smaller than those of the catbird, are a 
pale greenish-blue color, spotted, particularly about the larger end, with different 
shades of rusty brown. , 

Wood Ibis ( Tantalus loculator). 53.—“ In July, 1885, a flock of about half a dozen 
of these birds was observed near Uniontown, Fayette county, some seventy miles 
east of Pittsburgh. The event caused no little commotion among the local sports¬ 
men there, with the result of three being captured. They were brought to me to be 
mounted.”— William Shaw, Allegheny City. Mr. William J. Sherratt, of Philadel¬ 
phia, informs me that in the summer of 1888 he saw two of these birds, killed near 
Lewisburg, Union county, in the hands of a taxidermist, to whom they had been 
shipped in the flesh to be mounted. 

Double-crested Cormorant ( Phalacroeorax dilophus) . 28, 29.—A fine adult male 
of this species was captured in the latter part of November, 1890, in Lackawanna 
county, by Mr. Geo. P. Friant, of Scranton. In relation to another specimen of the 
same species, Mr. William Shaw, of Allegheny City, furnishes the following note: 
“In August, 1874, a fisherman brought me an adult male Cormorant, which he had 
shot, thinking it was a wild turkey. I recollect him saying ‘there were two of them 
sitting on a big rotten stump close by the river, and every few minutes one would 
make a dive down towards the water. I thought it queer for turkeys to act like 
that, so I went for my gun and got one.’ They were seen at a place called McKee’s 
Rocks, about three miles down the Ohio river from Pittsburgh. As far as I can 
learn they are the only birds of this species ever known to have visited this neigh¬ 
borhood.” 

Savanna Sparrow ( Ammodramus sandivichensis savanna) . 234.—Adults, both 
sexes of this species, were taken by Prof. August Koch and the author during the 
past summer (1891) near the city of Williamsport, Lycoming county. Prof. Koch 
assures me this bird is a regular yet not common summer resident in the fertile 
fields about Williamsport. Mr. S. Edward Paschall, of Doylestown, is quite certain 
tfiat the Savanna Sparrow is a regular breeder in Bucks county. 

Pine Warbler (Dendroica vigorsii). 291. 292.—Prof. A. Koch and myself found 
this warbler to be quite common throughout the past summer (1891) in the hemlock 
and pine trees on Bald Eagle mountains, south of Williamsport. The species breeds 
also in McKean county, near Kane. 

During the winter of 1890-1 Snowy Owls ( Nyctea nyctea ) were much more numer¬ 
ous than they usually are in Pennsylvania. From November the 15th to March 
10th, inclusive, thirty-two of these birds were, from reports received by the writer, 
taken in the state. Some naturalists assert that the Snowy Owl is a skillful fisher¬ 
man. The remains of a large sucker and a catfish were found in the stomach of a 
female Snowy Owl taken in December, 1890, in Dauphin county. 

Bewick’s W T ren (Thryothorus bewickii ). 309.—July 23, 1891, Prof. August 

Koch killed five of these birds, two adults and three young, the latter undoubtedly 
had been raised in the immediate neighborhood of Williamsport where they were 
captured. This wren has been observed in the eastern, northern and central por¬ 
tions of Pennsylvania as a rare and irregular summer sojourner, but in some of the 
southwestern counties of the state it occurs, according to reports received from dif¬ 
ferent observers, as a regular but not common summer resident. 

Prairie Horned Lark ( Otocoris alpestris pralicola). 198.—In the early part 
of June, 1891, Prof. August Koch and the writer captured several of these larks, 
adults and young, one of the latter but a few days old, in acorn patch and wheatfield 
near the city Williamsport, Lycoming county. Dr. L. W. Hartman, of Pittston, 

29 Birds. 




450 


BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


reports this bird as a breeder in Luzerne county, and from a letter recently received 
by the author from Dr. H. D. Moore, of New Lexingtou, it was observed in June 
last (1891) in Somerset county, where previously it was known only as a winter 
visitant. 

Through inadvertency no description of the young Prarie Horned Lark was given 
when reference was made to the bird on a previous page. Following is a description of 
the young Otocoris alpestris particola in its first plumage: Bill, feet and legs (dried 
specimens) pale brown ; eyes, dark brown ; long hind claw. Above dusky and 
light brown in mixture, but quite blackish on top of head and middle of back ; 
brownish coloration most conspicuous on hind neck and rump. Feathers on middle 
of back conspicuously spotted with white, with, in some specimens, faint trace of pale 
brownish spots. Top of head and rump marked with fine specks of brown and 
white ; upper tail coverts blackish and rusty with whitish tips ; wing coverts have 
white and rusty edgings ; tail feathers black, except outer two or three pairs which 
have outer webs (particularly the webs of first pair) more or less showily marked 
with light yellowish. The dusky wing feathers have white and tawny tips and edg¬ 
ings ; sides of head dusky, though some feathers are edged with whitish. A con¬ 
spicuous pale yellowish stripe extends from and runs back of eye, and is separated 
from small patch of same color in front of eye l y a small dusky streak extending for¬ 
ward from middle of eye. Lower part of breast, abdomen and under tail coverts 
white, but often soiled from being almost constantly on the ground ; chin and neck 
in front white, clouded with dusky. A broad patch of pale brownish and dusky on 
lower neck and upper part of breast is continuous with same colors on the sides 
where the white of lower breast and belly mingle with the brown and black. 

Sections 1, 6 and 8 of the act of May 14, 1889 (see pages 402 and 403), were amended 
at the the session of 1891 as follows: 

First amendment. —After the word “pigeons,” last line, section 1, page 402, insert 
comma and add “and the birds commonly known as reed-birds.” 

Second amendment. —Section 6 now reads, “The English or European house spar¬ 
row ( Passer domesticus ) and the various species of hawks, owls and crows are not 
included among the birds protected by this act.” 

Third amendment. —Section 8 now reads, “In all actions for the recovery of pen¬ 
alties under this act, one-half of said penalties shall be paid to the informer and the 
balance shall be paid to the county treasurer of the county wherein the offence is 
committed.” 


SECTION 5. 

9 

How to Collect, Prepare and Preserve Specimens. 


[Note.— Students before beginning to make a collection ot specimens, whether 
they are birds, nests or eggs, should familiarize themselves with the laws which 
have to do with the taking of birds, their nests or eggs, of the country in which this 
work will be done. If you reside in Pennsylvania, be sure to secure a permit in 
accordance with the act ot May 14, 1889 (see pp. 402 and 403), otherwise arrest and 
conviction may follow the taking of specimens, even though it is done with a view 
to scientific study. Remember also, that the possession of a certificate from a pro- 
thonotary does not allow you to trespass on private property; hence, always get 
permission to hunt on the grounds of strangers.] 















COLLECTING BIBBS. 


451 


Collecting Birds. 

Birds can be collected in every locality, and throughout all seasons of the year, 
but during the spring and fall migrations species and individuals are much more 
numerous than at other periods. Many species occur here simply as summer resi¬ 
dents, others, which come southward on the approach of cold weather, stay with us 
only through the winter, consequently the collector who intends to make a com¬ 
plete collection of the avifauna of a particular region must be on the watch at all 
times. 

Assuming that you know, or will soon learn from experience, how to dress to 
protect yourself from cold and rain, or, on the other hand, attire yourself when out 
in midsummer’s heat, no .mention of these matters is deemed necessary in this 
section. Every ornithologist or oologist should know how to make a bird-skin. 
No student of ornithology or oology can successfully pursue his studies without a 
gun of some kind ; all guns are dangerous, and it is hardly necessary to remark that 
cheap second-grade guns are particularly so. When you buy a gun, purchase the 
very best one your pocket-book will allow. If you cannot afford to get a good 
double-barreled, breech-loading shot-gun, buy a No. 1 single breech-loader. For 
general collecting a 12-gauge double-barrel shot-gun is generally recommended, I 
prefer, however, a double-barreled 16-gauge, as it is lighter, and, I think, equally 
as effective. Brass shells can be re-loaded many times, consequently they are cheaper 
than paper cartridges, although more troublesome than the latter. If economy is 
an object procure twenty-five or fifty brass shells, which should be loaded with 
different sizes of shot; in case you wish to shoot small birds load with small shot 
(mustard-seed or dust) and use light charges of both powder and shot. I will not 
attempt to lay down any rules for loading cartridges as every man who has a gun 
will, by practice, soon learn how to load for the game he desires to secure. When 
collecting birds for the cabinet you must avoid, as much as possible, shooting them 
badly; experience, however, will soon teach the collector that a specimen killed 
with a few pellets of shot is infinitely better than one which is mangled and cut up 
by a heavy charge. Always avoid an over-load of shot, and when collecting speci¬ 
mens don’t use larger sized shot than is absolutely necessary. 

An auxiliary barrel * of 22, 32 or 38 calibre with fifty brass shells and loading tools 
can be purchased from dealers in sportmen’s supplies, at an outlay of from three to 
five dollars. The auxiliary barrel is an exceedingly valuable addition to the field- 
worker’s outfit. With this he can shoot small birds ranging in size from a robin to 
a hummingbird, and use such small loads that the specimens will be but slightly 
injured. A very effective charge of American wood powder in a 32 or 38 shell 
makes but little noise. In fact the comparatively noiseless work which can be done 
with one of these auxiliary barrels sometimes leads some collectors, who have but 
little regard for human laws prohibiting Sunday shooting, and apparently much 
less for their soul’s salvation, to use it as a “ Sunday gun.” 

Although specimens can be wrapped in paper and carried in the pockets of a coat, 
a good-sized fish basket (one made of canvas which can be folded is preferable to the 
willow basket), costing from $1.50 to $2.00, and hung over the shoulder is the best 
and most convenient way to carry small birds. Large birds like cranes, eagles, 
geese, swans, etc., are troublesome to carry, and great care needs to be taken to pre¬ 
vent their wings and tails from being injured. Such specimens can be carried by 
the legs, or if it is out of the question to transport them in that way wrap them in 
paper, after plugging throat, mouth, nostrils, vent and shot holes, and swing them 
by a cord or strap over your shoulder, f 

Provide yourself with a note book in which to record (in ink) all items of your 
daily observations in the field, and always carry with you plenty of cotton, a large 

* A metal tube, five to eight inches long, which fits in the gun-barrel same as a cartridge. 

t When several large birds are taken and they cannot conveniently be carried, as just mentioned, it is 
well to lessen the weight of your burden by skinning out the bodies, but leave wings, legs and heads 
without being skinned. Never neglect, however, when treating birds in this manner to note sex and 
contents of crop and stomach of each specimen. 





452 


COLLECTING BIRDS. 


pin, a stout needle or a sharp-pointed piece of stiff wire, and, in a small tin box or 
case, some cornmeal and plaster of Paris, keep the two separate. Never forget to take 
a shell extractor, as it will sometime save you much trouble in this world, and, per¬ 
haps, if you are disposed to be profane, considerable misery in the next. I once 
heard an old hunter remark that “nothin’ was as tryilig on a man’s cussin’ powers 
as to have a cartridge git stuck when the game was agoin’,” and I believe he was 
right in the statement. 

When a bird is shot pick it up by the legs, feet, or bill, unless it is a crippled heron, 
eagle, hawk or owl, all of which should be handled with great care when wounded, 
otherwise you may be seriously injured by a thrust of the spear-like bill of the 
heron, or the relentless grasp of the sharp and powerful talons of the large birds of 
prey, and if it is not dead, end its suffering at onpe by pressing firmly, with the 
thumb and fingers, on each side of the body close to the wings. Plug nostrils, mouth, 
vent and shot-holes with cotton to prevent blood or other fluids from soiling the 
plumage. This is best accomplished by taking small cone-shaped plugs of cotton 
and pushing them, not rudely but gently, into the openings, with a pin, sharp-pointed 
stick, piece of wire, or small blade of a pocket knife. Open the mouth and push 
down the throat a small quantity of cornmeal, or, if you have nothing better, a little 
fine dry dirt, and then insert the plug of cotton wadding. If an eye has been injured 
and the fluids are likely to escape, it should be removed at once. This can be done 
by quickly plunging between the eyelids and to the bottom of the orbit the point of 
a small knife blade, a strong pin, or a stiff piece of wire, and by gently pulling and 
prying upward the eye will be torn from its attachments. A little practice will soon 
enable one to become so expert that an eye can be taken out without smearing the 
feathers of the surrounding parts; but to avoid injury to a specimen it is well to 
take a piece of cotton and draw it snugly over the side of the head and make an 
opening in it through which the broken eye can be operated upon. When the eye 
has been removed fill the cavity from which it was taken with cornmeal, then gouge 
it out, and repeat this process until all fluids are absorbed, and the me 4 l in the socket 
is dry. 

Drops of blood can be removed by a rapid stroke of a knife blade, or if you are not 
overly fastidious a “lick of the tongue ” will often remove all traces of blood spots. 
Bloody feathers should be squezed out by drawing them carefully between thumb 
and finger, or between the thumb and dull blade of a kniie. White plumaged birds . 
when bloody should be washed at once with clean water, after the shot-holes and 
other orifices are plugged, and the feathers dried with plaster of Paris ; other birds, 
i. e. those of dark-colored dress, when stained can be washed with water and dried 
with cornmeal. When your specimen has been cared for, as already detailed on 
previous pages, make a cornucopia or paper funnel and drop it in head first; fold ends 
of paper over, but be careful to not include in the folding either the tail feathers or 
tips of wings, and lay it in the basket. 

How to Skin a Bird. 

Before skinning a specimen you should make notes, for future reference, of the 
colors of the eyes (i. c. of the iris), bill, legs, feet and claws, and in certain birds of 
prey the color of the cere should be noted ; in fact, any of the colors of the external 
parts of a bird’s anatomy not covered with plumage should be recorded. 

Number all specimens, and keep a catalogue in your note book with numbers cor¬ 
responding to those on labels of the specimens. Jot down in the note book the bird J s 
scientific name, locality where taken, date of capture, sex, contents of crop and giz¬ 
zard, and all items of interest relating to the species, which were made in the field. 
The length from point of bill to end of tail, or tips of toes, and the extent of wings 
should also be taken. 

To be of any scientific value, a specimen must be labeled with at least the sex, 
date and locality, and young birds, especially nestlings, should have their scientific 
names on the labels, but full grown birds can always be identified, and although, 




SKINNING BIBBS. 


453 


perhaps, better, it is not absolutely necessary to give their proper names. Small 
labels can be purchased from dealers in naturalists’ supplies or from tag manufac¬ 
turers at very reasonable rates : 

Label ready for specimen.* 

Collection of B. II. Warren, West 
© Chester, Pa. 

O 

. Sialia sialis, L. c? ad. 
o 

£ 1 - 

Elk county. Pa.. June 10, 1890. 


Label without data. 



Always tie the label to the legs, never to any other part of the specimen. The 
astronomical symbols of Mars (tf) and Venus (9) are used by ornithologists to in¬ 
dicate sex, thus cf=inale and 9=female; an adult is usually marked $ ad., or 9 ad. 
The abbreviations “Juv.,” and “Yg.,” are used to indicate immaturity; “ Nupt." 
shows that the specimen is in breeding dress, and “Aorwo<” means a yearling or 
bird of the year. 

Many persons, who have never witnessed the operation, regard the skinning of a 
bird as an exceedingly difficult task ; one which can be accomplished only by ex¬ 
perts who have had long practical experience. This work is by no means difficult, 
and it can easily be done, although at first to a beginner it will doubtless lie a little 
bothersome. Skins of small birds are made much more quickly than large ones. 
A skillful taxidermist should be able to make a good skin of a thrush, blackbird, 
sparrow, warbler or almost any small bird, if properly shot, in at least ten minutes, 
but an average of four or five skins an hour is good work, and it means twenty to 
thirty specimens m a day, if you go out collecting in the morning and return by 
noon and work up the birds before going to bed. I know a skillful collector, who, 
on one occasion, to win a wager, made a No. 1 skin of a song sparrow in five minutes, 
this, however, was exceptionally rapid work. 

Long practice will enable one to work rapidly, and at the same time do the work 
well. It is, however, far more essential to prepare a few specimens properly, than 
it is to make up a large lot of inferior skins, hence start with the determination to 
make only first-class skins. It is much better to make one or two No. 1 skins in a 
day, than twenty bad ones, but don’t throw away a poor skin unless you have du¬ 
plicates of the same species. Like the learned and experienced practitioner of medi¬ 
cine, who says he uses but few remedies, of which opium, quinine, calomel, bread- 
pills, colored aqua pur a , and a few more, are his “stand-bys,” you will find, as all 
practical taxidermists of years’ experience well know, that but few instruments are 
required in making skins. A bird can be skinned with either a knife or scissors, 
but when skinning small birds a knife is unnecessary and much less handy than a 
strong pair of sharp-pointed surgical scissors. In removing the skins of large birds, 
a cartilage knife or pocketknifo with which to disarticulate the joints and a pair of 
bone-cutters, to aid in removing the brains or in severing the large wing-bones, are 
very useful. When once accustomed to working with scissors, you will find them 
the most convenient of all instruments. 

The instruments and materials used in making skins are : 

A pair of sharp-pointed surgical scissors, costing from fifty to seventy-five cents; 
a pair of stuffing forceps, five to eight inches long, seventy-five cents to a dollar ; 
cartilage-knife, scalpel or pocket knife, about seventy-five cents ; pair of pliers with 
wire-cutting attachment on the side, about seventy-five cents ; some prefer pliers 
without wire-cutting side attachment, and two pairs of wire cutters, one for large 
wire and the other for wire of smaller sizes ; two fiat files, ten to twenty-five cents 
each ; a “filler” or stuffing-rod, which yop can make of stout brass wire flattened 


♦Colors of eyes, bill, etc., with contents of crop and stomach, can be written on the reverse side of 
label. Labels of this style, with strings and printed name and address of the collector, cost about $2.00 
per 1.000. 











454 


SIC INNING BINDS. 


slightly at one end, for stuffing heads and necks of large birds ; pins and needles of 
different sizes. It will be well to provide yourself with all of the following mater¬ 
ials : A quantity of cotton wadding, fine tow and fine excelsior; plenty of corn- 



IXSTRUMEN'TS. 

1. Spring forceps. 2. Egg-drill. 3. Curtilage knife. 4. Surgical 
Scissors. 5. Stuffing forceps. 6. Blow-pipe 

meal (or fine sawdust in case you prefer it to cornmeal) and plaster of Paris. Keep 
these in separate boxes in a dry place. Powdered arsenic and alum : mix three parts 
of arsenic with one of alum; also place some arsenic in a large mouthed bottle or 
jar, which can be tightly corked, and add to it enough alcohol (with small quantity 
of water) to form a paste, which can be applied with a brush to any part of a speci¬ 
men which needs to be poisoned ; annealed wire of different sizes, some strong linen 
thread, a bottle of turpentine or benzine, a small sponge and a few soft brushes, and 
you are ready for work. 

































































SKINNING BIRDS. 


455 


Seated at a table in the work shop you have a bird, its mouth, nostrils and vent 
are plugged, the ruptured eye has been taken out without damage to the neigh bor- 
ing parts, and the blood spots have been cleaned from the feathers of its breast and 
back and you are ready for work. Lay the bird on its back # with bill pointing to 
your body, part the feathers on the abdomen, which in many birds is quite naked, 
and make an incision with scissors or knife from lower part of breast bone to vent 
(Fig. IT.), being caretul to not cut through the muscular covering of abdomen. 



FIRST STEPS IX SKINNING 

.4. Xostrils plugged with cotton. It. Leg cut off and turned inside out. 

Sternum nr Breast hone I). Knee-joint pushed up. showing position of scis¬ 
sors before cutting. E. Abdomen—viscera covered by their muscular layer, 
which should not be cut open when first incision is made. 

However, if the abdomen is cut so that the viscera and fluids escape, plug the open¬ 
ing with cotton and cornmeal, or, better still, take out intestines, etc., and fill cavity 
with cornmeal, but never fill abdominal cavity with meal or other absorbents until 
the sex has been determined.! 


* Spread the wings from the body, to do this it is sometimes necessary to break arm-bones near shoul 
der joints. 

t Although the sex of many birds may frequently be distinguished by either the plumage or size, it is 
always safer to determine sex by dissection During the breeding period, this can readily be done as the 
reproductive organs of both sexes are greatly enlarged, but the sex of young birds and even some old 











456 


SKINNING BIRDS. 


Take hold of skin at upper part of cut at the lower part of the breast bone, and 
gently push it, working downward with blade of scissors or knile, until the knee- 
joint (D, Fig. II.) is exposed ; cut through the articulation, but in doing this exer¬ 
cise care so that skin* * will not be cut. Having severed the leg at the knee-joint, 
grasp the foot and turn shin inside out—push it up with one hand and work skin 


I? 



THE SKIN TURNED INSIDE OUT. 

A. Radius or small bone of fore-arm. B. Ulna or large fore¬ 
arm bone. C. Humerus or arm-bone. D. Tibia or shin bone. E. 

Tibia wrapped with cotton or tow. F. Skull. G. Angle of the 
jaw- Dotted lines BB-indicate where thread can be tied to hold 
wings in place. 

down with the other hand until tendons (at heel joint) running to the foot are ex¬ 
posed. Clean muscles from the bones (tibia and fibula), rub arsenic and alum on 
flesh side of skin, as well as on the bones, and wrap latter with cotton or fine tow 
(E, Fig. III.) to replace muscles and pull leg back before it dries.f Treat the other 


ones at certain times, can only be made out by a careful examination of the parts with the aid of a mag¬ 
nifying glass. The testicles or male organs and ovaries of the female are situated in the abdominal 
cavity; they rest on the upper end (butin front) of the kidneys—two conspicuous dark-brown bodies 
lying in the cavity of the sacrum—opposite the region commonly called * ‘ the small of the back." 1 ‘ The 

testicles are a pair of sub-spherical or rather ellipsoidal bodies, usually of the same size, shape and 
color and are commonly of a dull opaque whitish tint. They always lie close together'_ (Coues). 

The ovary is an irregular mass of little granules of different sizes and a grayish-white color. 

* Sew with white thread and needle cuts and shot holes made in the skin. 

+ If skin becomes dry moisten it with water. Some taxidermists never skin out the legs until all other 
details of skinning have been finished. 











SKINNING BIRDS. 


457 


leg as just described, and be liberal in the use of cornmeal at all stages of the skin- 
ning process, as it prevents the feathers from being soiled and adhering to the flesh, 
so as to retard your progress. Separate with the Angers the skin from both thighs 
and cut tail oft' where it joins the body, leaving, however, the small piece of bone 
attached to the quills. Tn the fingers and thumb of one hand, take the end of the 
body* * * § from which tail was dissevered, and with the other hand carefully _ push f (not 
pull) the skin from back, sides and breast until shoulders are exposed. Then cut 
through the humeral bones, close to the shoulder joints, or disarticulate the latter 
and continue to work carefully until the skin is turned inside out as shown in the 
preceding illustration (page 456 ). 

The neck can be skinned to th base of the skull J without any difficulty, but the 
head must be handled cautiously ; by gently working with thumb and fingers, it 
can be pushed and drawn through ; detach the ears with the thumb nail or a blunt 
pointed instrument—handle of scalpel or piece of wood—never cut them off with 
knife or scissors. Now work the skin forward until the eyes are reached, then cut 
the membranes about the upper part of the sockets and take each eye out by push¬ 
ing behind it and to the lower part of the orbit the handle of a scalpel, blade of 
knife or scissors—if you can use either of the last two mentioned instruments and 
not cut into the eye—and pry gently upward and outward until it slips out; cut the 
thin membranes which adhere between the eye and eyelids, but in doing this be 
very careful to not injure the eyelids. Avoid cutting or breaking the eyes, as fluids 
will escape from them and soil plumage of head and neck. Skin the head down to 
base of bill, cut out tongue, clean all meat from skull, remove base of skull, take 
out brains, and the thin bony walls which supported the eye balls posteriorly. Turn 
wings§ inside out by skinning them to wrist joint (bend of wing) or carpus; the 
secondary quills grow to the back part of the ulna, these can be separated by press¬ 
ing downward from back part of elbow joint with thumb nail, but if the handle of 
a knife or back of scissor blade is used, you will run less risk of wounding your¬ 
self, from a bone splinter if either ulna or radius is fractured. When the wrist is 
reached, cut away all flesh, likewise the radius and also the arm bone and its sur¬ 
rounding muscles. Having “cleaned out” both wings in the same way and scraped 
oft* all the fat and meat from the skin, and taken out the oil glands over the base 
of tail feathers, take a short piece of thread and tie the wing-bones (Fig. III. BB) 
nearly together, to hold wings in position when skin is turned right side out. Cover 
the whole flesh side of the skin with arsenic and alum,|| using a soft brush, a piece 
•of cotton, or rabbits foot from which the claws have been removed. Rub the poison 
on skull, about the base of tail and around the wing bones, and with a piece of wire 
push some of the powder down the wrist. Don’t, under any circumstance, be stingy 
in the use of the preservative, far better have too much arsenic than not enough. 
Turn the wings right side out by pulling gently on the long primaries, and at the 


* Large birds may be hung up, by inserting a hook in the rump, or slipping a loop knot made with strong 
string or rope around the body in front of thighs. By doing this you have both hands free to work with. 

t Frequently at this stage the upper part of the first cut, at lower portion of the sternum, is enlarged: 
this can often be avoided by separating the skin from the breast before starting to turn the skin inside 
out. When the incision is considerably enlarged sew it up. 

t Some birds, for example the Pileated woodpecker and wood duck, have such small necks that it is im¬ 
possible to turn them over the heads. With such a bird skin the neck down and cut it off (sever, of 
course, the denuded neck, not the skin) as close as possible to the skull, then turn skin right side out 
and skin the head. This is best done by making a straight incision from the top of the head down the 
back of the neck: turn the head out of the opening and clean the skull. After the head has been 
thoroughly cleaned and poisoned turn it right side out and sew up the cut. 

§ When skinning large birds I cut muscles, etc., from arm bones, which 1 wrap with tow to replace 
meat taken off. and allow them to remain in the skin: and in place of skinning out the fore-arm, as above 
described, make incisions, lengthwise or under surface of wings—along the fore-arm and carpus—(See 
Fig. VII. C) and remove all fiesh. tendons and fat. These parts should then be thoroughly poisoned 
and the incisions sewed. By treating large birds in this manner you avoid tearing the secondary quills 
from the ulna to which they are firmly attached. When mounting small birds, if you have an abund¬ 
ance of time, follow this method of fixing the wings, 
il If you are afraid to use this powder poison the skin with paste made of arsenic and alcohol. 







458 


MAKING UP SKINS. 


same time pushing downward on the fore-arm bones. Now turn skin right side out 
by catching bill with forceps or between thumb and finger and gently work the skin 
and featbers back with the other hand. Cutting away the corners of the jaw as 
shown in illustration (Fig. Ill, G-) often greatly faclitates in turning the head right 
side out. When skinning large birds, especially those with long legs, cut slits in 
soles of feet, pull out the tendons, and push arsenic and alum in the cavities with 
stuffing forceps, a blunt stick or a stiff wire. 

Cleaning the Plumage. 

When feathers are soiled with blood or other foreign substances,* take a sponge 
and basin of warm water, to which may be added a little ammonia or castile soap, 
lift up the stained parts and carefully rub and press them until all the discoloration 
has disappeared, then sprinkle on a handful of cornmeal,f rub with a loose bunch 
of cotton or soft brush, whip gentl}^ with a small switch or piece of wire, and continue 
to add cornmeal, likewise rubbing and whipping, until the feathers are dry, when 
all the meal should be dusted out. Spots of grease can be removed by using warm 
water, turpentine, or benzine and plaster of Paris. 

Methods of Making Bird Skins. 

Although taxidermists and collectors are numerous, comparatively few of their 
number make No. 1 skins. I know several taxidermists who can mount birds in 
most life-like and graceful attitudes, yet they appear to be unable to put up even an 
ordinarily fair skin. To make first-class skins it is necessary to have considerable 
practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first efforts are unsuccessful, but bear in 
mind that in this, as in every other vocation, work and perseverance will enable you 
to conquer in the end. 



a SKIN' PROPERLY MA L>E— (Reduced). 

When stuffing a skin, avoid filling it too full, better make it smaller than distend 
it beyond the natural dimensions. Endeavor to make it the same size as it was before 
the skin was taken off. Don’t make the neck too long, and on the other hand, do 
not shorten it so that the head and neck are jammed down on the breast and shoul¬ 
ders. Never spread the wings ; always make a skin with the wings close to the back 
and sides as shown in illustration (Fig. IV). 

Having turned the right side out, pick it up by the bill, hold it over the box con¬ 
taining arsenic and alum, and give it a gentle shaking, to loosen up the plumage, 
and allow the poison which will not adhere to the skin, to drop where it will not 

* Blood, particles of mud. etc., when dry may often be removed by gently rubbing the feathers be¬ 
tween the thumb and lingers. When washing or otherwise cleaning feathers, take care to stroke or rub 
them the right way, so as not to crumple and destroy their huffy and natural appearance when clean and dry 

t Use plaster of Paris to clean birds with white plumage ; and it may also be used for cleaning feathers 
of other birds. When using plaster of Paris, one of the principal things is to not allow it to harden on 
the feathers. Spirits of turpentine and benzine are used in cleaning bloody feathers ; don't attempt, 
however, when employing these agents, to mix them with water, but first wash the feathers in warm 
water, then dry the parts with a sponge or cloth, after which apply the turpentine or benzine, and then 
the plaster. 




























MAKING UP SKINS. 


459 


bother you, as would be the case if it is showered on the table; if any feathers are dis¬ 
placed, put them in place with the lingers or spring forceps. Now lay the bird on 
its back, in the hollow of one hand, or on a table, with the tail toward your body; 
pull its legs down and spread them wide apart, this will open the incision on belly, 
through which the stuffing is put in. 

Hold the head between thumb and fingers of one hand, and in the other secure 
the stuffiing forceps, in which take a ball of cotton*—about same size as the eye of 
the bird on which youare working—and pass it through the abdominal opening into 
the eye socket. Fill the other eye in the same manner, and when both eyes have 
been stuffed, not so full as to bulge, but to the natural fulness of the eyeball, examine 
the eyelids and feathers of the head, and see that they are in proper position. The 
next step is stuffing the neck ; this is done by taking between the points of the stuff¬ 
ing forceps a firm roll of cotton, not quite as large, but a little longer than the bird’s 
neck and pushing it into the skull between the two balls placed in the eye sockets. 
If the neck has been stretched, shorten it as much as necessary by pulling on the 
free end of the artificial neck, which reaches almost, if not quite, to the belly opening. 
The end of the cotton roll in the neck can either be pushed up against the skin of the 
breast, or spread open and pushed sidewise, to give sides of breast a round and 
natural appearance. Roll up a moderately firm ball of cotton, shaping it something 
like the bird’s body, but a little smaller, and slip it in the opening of the belly ; if 
you have not put in too much cotton, the edge of the abdominal opening! will come 
together when you cross the legs and tie on the label, as illustrated in Fig. IV. If 
the skin of the throat is sunken between the sides of the ,iaw, this can be obviated 
by opening the mouth and pushing under the hollow, tvitli point of forceps or a bit 
of wire, a small plug of cotton wadding. When the mandibles will not remain closed, 
slip a thread through the nostrils and tie it under the bill, or stick a pin under the 
i bill, where sides of the lower mandible start to widen, and force it in an oblique di¬ 
rection into the roof of the mouth. 

Pick up the bird which is stuffed and labeled, hold it in one hand, and with needle 
or spring forceps in the other hand, smooth and straighten all uneven feathers, fold 
the wings close to the back and sides of body, and if the shoulders stick out, press 
them slightly together with thumb and finger. Be careful to see that the wings are 
even, and that their tips meet over the tail, as you view the bird from above. Spread 
the tail feathers if you desire, and wrap the skin up in a thin la} r er of cotton wadding 
and lay it away to dry. | 


Making up Large Skins. 

A bird larger than a sparrow-hawk, when made up, should have a wire or stick 
in the neck to prevent it from being broken, and if you have the time, it is better 
to wire the legs, wings and tails, as well as the necks, as all these parts are liable to 
be broken off. Clean all fat from the flesh side of the skin before it is poisoned. 
Water birds, especially ducks, geese, swans, cormorants, loons, etc., are often very 
fat; always cut and scrape the fat off, if this is neglected the specimen will soon be 
worthless. Having properly skinned, cleaned, and thoroughly poisoned the speci¬ 
men, take a large pair of stuffing forceps or stuffing rod and fill§ the eyes and skull 

* Fine tow will also answer. Never stuff a specimen with hair. wool, feathers or any animal substance. 
Whenever possible. I use cotton for small birds, and for large ones tow, excelsior, tine hay, dried grass 
or moss. 

t In large birds close it up with few stitches ; this may also be done with small birds, but it is not nec¬ 
essary. 

t Taxidermists have many ways of laying out skins. Sometimes a U-shaped frame of tin or stiff paper 
is employed. Another and very good plan is to take a thick wad of cotton, which is laid on an even sur¬ 
face, and make a depression in it of .eh a depth that the specimen will be buried to at least the edge of 
the wings, with the edges of the cotton pushed up snugly to keep feathers in place. If you wish to dis¬ 
play fie crest of a bird, lay it in a “ cotton bed ‘ such as last described, erect the crest, turn the head on 
one side with bill pointing directly to the right or left and let it dry in this position. 

5 Imitate nature as well as possible when tilling the head, neck and legs. 











460 


WIRING SKINS. 


with tow (not cotton), and stuff the neck. If you use a stick for the neck, take a 
straight piece of dry and light wood, a little longer than the neck, but only about 
one-fourth the thickness of the neck cavity, sharpen it at both ends and wrap it with 
tow or cotton to a proper size for tilling the neck, but leave both pointed ends un¬ 
wrapped. Insert this covered stick into the neck, and push the small end or point 
into the cavity of the skull previously tilled with tow. Now you have the other 
pointed extremity of the artificial neck projecting into the body cavity. The next 
step is to make an artificial body,* which is done by rolling some tow, excelsior, moss 
or dried grass into a firm, flattened egg-shaped mass, not over two-thirds as large as 
the bird’s body, though very similar to it in shape, and wrapping it with strong 
string to keep it in the desired shape. Put the false body into the skin, and push 
the pointed end of neck stick into it until its covered part and the body meet. If 
any parts of the specimen are sunken, fill them out with tow to the proper size, sew 
up abdominal opening, cross the legs, tie on label and lay the specimen in'a cotton 
bed to dry. This method will answer for skins which are set with the necks straight, \ 
but you can of course turn the head fiat on the side with the bill pointing obliquely 
to the right or left. Ducks, hawks, owls, large woodpeckers, quail, grouse and snipo 
can be made up in the way last given, but always use a piece of wire rather than 
wood for the neck. 




Wiring Large Skins. 




Eagles, large hawks and owls, geese, swans, loons, cormorants, turkeys, large 
herons or other birds of- similar size, should have the necks, legs, wings and tails 
wired, as a guard against having any or all of these members accidentally torn from 
the body. This is done with five wires,f to wit: One for neck, sharp at one end ; 
another for wings, both ends pointed ; two for legs, each of these have one end sharp¬ 
ened, and the last, a short one, pointed at extremity for the tail. To make a skin up 
in this way the eyes and skull are first filled with tow. 

Then take the neck wire and wind tow around it until you have made a firm false 
neck and body of the required size, and put it inside of the skin, the point of the 
neck wire you can leave unwrapped and push it into the skull or even if it goes out 
of the top of the head no harm is done. Now take the leg wires, which should be 
long enough to extend the whole length of the legs when the pointed end is fastened 


in the body, and push them up the legs, enter each leg by pushing the wire, point 


first, in at the sole of its foot and as the wire is worked up, be careful to not break 
through the tarsal covering ; run each leg wire through the false body and fasten it 
by bending the end as shown in illustration (Fig. VI). Run wire in through base 
of tail and fasten in same way, and sew belly up. Fasten the wings by running wire 
through the body under the wing on each side and fasten the ends into wings at the 
wrists. 

The method of wiring last given should be followed when making skins of birds 
that have long necks or legs, like swans, geese, herons,cranes and loons. The legs 
of herons and cranes should be bent at heel so that the feet (toes being laid flat to 
prevent them from being broken oft') will lie upon the sides or belly. By wiring 
the legs they stay where placed, and are not likely to be broken off in handling. 

Always use annealed wire in the necks of herons, cranes, geese, swans or other 
birds having long necks. Do this so that by bending both the head and neck can be 
made to lie close to the side, breast or back as you may prefer. Skins may be made 

*The neck and body may be made in one mass by taking a piece of wire or a stick and wrapping it to 
proper size for filling neck and body. 

t The thickness of which must be governed by the size of the specimen you have in hand. Galvanized 
wire is the best as it does not rust ; use wire only about half as large as -would be employed if mounting 
the bird. 














SALTED SKINS. 401 


up by “the three-wire method,”* and tilling around the wires with tow or cotton 
until the required shape is obtained. The feet and legsf of all large birds should be 
treated with a coat of arsenic-alcohol paste to prevent insects from attacking them. 



• THK THREE-WIRE METHOD. 

A. Ley wire tightly twisted around head and tail wire. B. Ley wire turned but not 
twisted around main wire. C. Method of makiny incisions (skin pinned back on each 
side of cut) to remove flesh from outside of wings, 

SALTED SKINS. 

An Easy, Quick and Safe Method of Makino Skins Without the Use of 
Arsenic or Other Poisonous Preservatives. 

Oftentimes, especially when out camping, large birds such as herons, hawks, owls, 
geese, ducks, swans, etc., are taken and it is impossible to make them up in the ordi¬ 
nary way. These birds, also rails, coots, grouse, woodcock and quail, can be pre¬ 
served, after being skinned in the manner already detailed on previous pages, with 
common fine salt. 

* Dried skins, especially of small sized birds, can be mounted very rapidly by • • the three-wire method 
fcy an expert. 

f Also the naked skin of heads, necks or gular pouches, of different species. 
























462 


SALTED SKINS. 


Rub an abundance of «alt on inside of skin—better give it an overdose than too 
little. Be careful to place an extra amount of salt about the skull, also on the wings 
and around the bones of legs and tail, then turn skin right side out. If the speci¬ 
men is large—say an eagle or heron—remember to cut slits in soles of feet and pull 
tendons (sinews) out, and with a blunt pointed stick, or long stuffing forceps push 
alum* in cavities leit by the removal of tendons. 

Turn legs and feet inside of opening on belly, place a little tow, small wad of 
crumpled paper, or a handful of dried grass or moss in space from which body was 
taken, then turn head and neck down on breast; turn tail over abdomen and lay 
wings over head and tail. Wrap the specimen in a stout piece of paper, not neglect¬ 
ing, of course, to label it with the necessary data, and lay it away to dry. Skins 
treated in this manner take up much less space than if prepared otherwise, and if 
properly cured with plenty of salt, they will keep for a longtime if kept where 
rats, insects or other vermin will not attack them. 

Although I have known salted specimens to be kept several years without being 
injured or spoiling, it is safer to mount or make over such skins as soon as practi¬ 
cable. 




How to Wash and Dry Salted Skins. f 

To properly mount or make over a salted skin, the taxidermist must exercise con¬ 
siderable care and-patience. Remove all the salt. This is best accomplished by 
taking the specimen and immersing it repeatedly in a tub of tepid water, to which a 
little soap or small quantity of washing soda should be added, until thoroughly re¬ 
laxed, then turning it inside out (as shown in Fig. Ill, page -) and carefully 

washing oft' all the salt. 

The best way to remove salt is to hold the specimen under a stream of water—not 
too strong or the skin may be torn—from spigot of a hydrant or a pump. After 
thoroughly cleansing it of salt, wipe off excessive water, and turn skin right side 
out, same as if it was a fresh skin. If the specimen is large, like a heron, goose, 
eagle or swan, take it in the yard and hang it in the sunlight on a clothes-line or 
rope, sufficiently high that a cat, dog or meddlesome child will not disturb it. Leave 
it there until it drains off— i. c. until water ceases to drip—then take marble-dust 
(best) orfinecornmeal (alwaysuse marble-dust when working with white-plumaged 
birds, such as egrets, swans, etc.), and sprinkle it on the plumage ; gently work the 
feathers with soft brush until the plumage becomes dry. When the feathers are 
thoroughly dried and the marble-dust is brushed out, apply arsenic and the speci¬ 
men is ready to be mounted or made into a skin. 

Salted skins in the hands of a competent workman—one who understands how to 
treat them—can be mounted as well as freshly skinned birds. 

Never ship salted skins with other specimens; always keep them in boxes, 
drawers or cases by themselves. 

Sportsmen are often anxious to keep trophies of their skill but fail to do so, when 
in the field, because they cannot make skins and taxidermists are not within their 
reach. To such individuals or to those desiring to have specimens stuffed” but 
are prevented from attempting the work themselves through fear of handling 
arsenic, the method of salting is recommended. 

Note.—I f you have salted specimens and you lake them to a taxidermist, be cer¬ 
tain to learn first if he knows how to “work up” such material, and if he does not, 
do not let him experiment at your expense, but go to some one who does know how 
to handle such work. Should you fail to take this precaution the chances are vour 
specimens will be ruined. 

* Although salt will answer the purpose, alwaysuse powdered alum. It is very difficult to remove all 
particles of salt from inside of legs when one is preparing the specimens for mounting, and if all the salt 
is not removed it soon destroys the wires. 

fTlie author learned this method from Prof. August Koch, of Williamsport, Penna., who has em¬ 
ployed it with great success for the last fifteen years, in his extensive field experience in the Western 
Southern and Middle States. 











MOUNTING BIRDS. 


463 


Mounting Birds. 

From the following paragraphs and illustrations you may learn how to wire and 
stutl a bird, but when this is clearly understood you will find that only continued 
practice, perseverance and great patience will enable you to give specimens graceful 
and lite-like attitudes. If your early efforts are failures, as tliej^ most likely will be, 
do not get discouraged. 

When a bird has been skinned, poisoned, turned right side out and soiled feathers 
have been cleaned, it is ready to be mounted. First cut four pieces of wire of the 
proper size;* one, for the head and neck should be longer than both body and neck,' 
two for the legs, and twice their length, and one for tail, the free end of this last 
wire when its other end is fastened in the body, should reach to, at least, the middle 
oi the tail. Take a file and make a sharp point on one end of each of these wires. 
Curl up the blunt end of the neck piece, and wrap tow around it until you have a firm 
solid mass, a little smaller—never larger—but the same shape as the natural body, 
which should belaid before you as a guide. Wrap tow or cotton around the wire 
until an artificial neck is made—the same length (no longer) and thickness of the 
natural neck. 

When making the neck and body wrap them with thread to hold tow in place and 
keep the surface smooth. 




NECK A VI) BODY SHOWING POSITION OK WIRES. 

A. Wing-wire clinched. B. Leg-wire clinched. C. Leg-wire 
clinched on opposite side. 

Partially fill the eye sockets j and skull with fine tow. Lay the bird on its back, 
the tail pointing to your body, and the belly-opening spread as wide as possible ; 

‘Small, but always sufficiently strong (thick), to support tho bird s weight without bending : the neck 
and tail wires may be a little smaller than leg wifes. which should be just large enough to go up the back 
of the tarsi without breaking their covering. 

f Some taxidermists till the skull with tine chopped tow and the eye sockets with soft clay or putty and 
et eyes in position before turning skin right side out. 



















































464 


WIRING BIRDS. 


then pass the uncovered end of neck wire into the opening, thence into tiie neck, 
and out the middle of the head through both skull and skin as shown in illustration 
(Fig. VI). Gently work the neck and body into position until the skin fits natu¬ 
rally over them* and the edges of the belly-opening meet. Now the legs must be 
wired. For this purpose use straight pieces of wire, never attempt to run a crooked 


Df) 



METHOD OF WIRING. 

A. Leg-wires. B. Tail-'ivire. C. Wing-vHres. D. Head-wire. 

or kinky wiref up the leg. To wire a leg start by pushing the sharp point of the 
wire in the center of the sole of the foot, and work it up along the back of the tarsus 
and shin (close to the bones) until it reaches beyond the free end of the tibia ; turn 
the leg inside out and wrap shin bones with tow to replace muscles removed, J then 

* Wire the wings of large birds, particularly if the specimen is to be mounted with spread wings, before 
the neck and body are inserted. For this purpose two wires are necessary; each one should be sharp¬ 
ened at both ends, and they must be sufficiently long to go through the body and clinch. Pass end of 
the wire from inside up the wing along side of the bones and out at carpal joint. Tie large wing-bones 
to wire, wrap arm-bones .vith tow and if the wings are to be spread stuff spaces between fore-arm bones 
with tow (clay will answer but it is heavy) and sew up neatly. Put in neck and body and fasten wing- 
wires in body. When mounting eagles, large hawks or owls with spread wings, a block of wood, about 
half as large as natural body, can be used in place of a body made of tow or excelsior. If a wooden 
block is employed, holes must be bored through it. and pass through these holes the wires for neck, 
wings, leg and tail and clinch the wires by hammering their points into the wood. 

t Kinks, in small wire, can betaken out by placing one end in a vice and pulling, or by drawing the 
wire beneath the sole of your boot or shoe and another hard surface. Hammer heavy wire until it is 
straight. 

$ It is not necessary to stuff legs of many small birds, but always stuff legs of large birds. 
















WRAPPING BIRDS . 


465 


pull the leg back and run wire through the body and bend it over aud clinch tightly. 
Push wire through the base of tail and its pointed end in body. Sew up the belly¬ 
opening, bend legs into position, but in doing this avoid placing them too far back, 
and fasten the bird on a stand* or perch. The wings now hang from the sides ; push 
them into position, being very careful to have them exactly alike on both sides—i. e. 
have tips even over the tail, and don’t allow one wing to be higher or lower on the 
body or farther ahead than the other—and pin each wing to the body,f with three sepa¬ 
rate pins (insect pins of different sizes for small birds) or wires ; one being passed 
in the wrist, another in the shoulder and one below the elbow-joint. The heads of 
pins or ends of wires should be allowed to stick out from wings to aid in holding 
thread, which later on will be used in winding the bird. 

Now finish stuffing the head. This is done by inserting small pieces of fine tow 
or cotton through the mouth and filling out tho back and sides, as well as the throat 
or any sunken places in the upper part of the neck, until these parts are stuffed to 
the natural size—do not under any circumstances make the head or neck too full. 
Put in each eye-socket a small quantity of soft potter’s clay or putty, open the eye¬ 
lids and insert artificial e 3 >-es, of the right color, and press them firmly in the clay or 
putty backing ; apply a drop of mucilage or Page’s glue to inside of eyelids to keep 
them in a natural shape around each eye. Fasten the mandibles together, if you 
want to close tlie mouth, with a pin or a thread. 



MOUNTED BIRD WHAPPEI) WITH THREAD. 


Make a careful examination of the bird, from above, below, in front, behind and 
on both sides, and if it is not in the position you desire, bend the legs, head, neck or 
tail until it is satisfactory, and dress the plumage with spring forceps and needle 
until all the feathers lie as they would do on the living bird. 

The next step is to wind down the plumage with fine thread to give proper con¬ 
tour and smoothness. 

* If placed on a stand like those illustrated (Fig. V and VIII). or on a flat board or block, holes should 

be bored at a proper distance apart, through the wood, and through these holes the wires protruding from 
the feet should be passed and securely fixed by either twisting the ends together or clinching on the under 
surface of the block. 

I Before fastening the wings examine the bird and see if it is too hollow on any part of the back, breast 
or side. In case any such places are seen, make an incision lengthwise in the body under the wing, aud 
take a pair of stuffing forceps and fill out the sunken places with small wads of tine tow. 


30 Birds. 





















466 


PREPARING BIRDS’ EYES. 


Before winding the bird cut five small pieces of wire ; then take a file and make a 
point on one end of each piece, and on the other end of each piece make with pliers a 
hook, like those shown in illustration (VIII). Insert three of these wires in a line 
down the centre of the back, and the other two in the middle line of the breast. 
When this is done take specimen in one hand, hold the thread, which is first fastened 
to one of the projecting wires, between the thumb and finger of the other hand, and 
wind the feathers down by drawing the thread lightly, so as not to disturb the feath¬ 
ers. Tie, tack or pin toes down while the bird is drying. When the bird is dry, cut 
thread off, take out hooks and cut off ends of wires that project from head, wings 
and tail. 


How to Prepare Birds’ Eggs. 

Birds’ eggs have no scientific or money value unless all doubt regarding their 
identity, ?. e. name of species, is removed. To have a collection of eggs whose au¬ 
thenticity cannot be questioned, the collector should not take simply the eggs, but 
also the nests, unless the latter are too bulky, or they are made up of materials that 
cannot be suitably preserved. The parent birds should also be secured with their 
nests and eggs. Whenever there is the least shadow of doubt about the identity of 
a nest and eggs, don’t under any circumstance take them until at least one of the 
birds has been taken. If the birds elude observation when you discover their home, 
secrete yourself and watch until you capture one or both of them. Small birds 
sometimes can be captured by placing snares made of fine wire or horse-hair in and 
around their nests ; they can also be caught with bird-lime. 

The following instruments are required for blowing eggs : Drills and blow-pipes 
of different sizes, scissors with thin slender blades and acute points, light spring 
forceps, a small syringe and small hooks of various sizes. Of these the drill and 
blow-pipe (Fig. 1, page 454) are indispensable ; and many eggs, particularly when 
fresh, can be blown without the use of any other instruments. The presence of em¬ 
bryos, especially if well developed, often renders it necessary to use all the instru¬ 
ments above mentioned, and you must also make the holes considerably larger than 
would be done if the eggs were fresh. 

Eggs should be blown with a single hole on the side, and not with two holes; 
always make the opening on one side, never at either end. The eggs of small birds, 
or others with very delicate shells, can be strengthened before removing their con¬ 
tents by pasting over them a thin layer of tissue paper. To blow an egg hold it in 
one hand over a basin of water and pierce the shell with a needle-point, then take 
the drill and bore, by twirling drill gently between thumb and finger, a small cir¬ 
cular hole. When this is done insert a small piece of wire or hook and break up the 
contents of the egg, and if the opening is sufficiently large insert end of blow-pipe in¬ 
side of the shell, or hold it to the opening and blow slowly and not too vigorously until 
the contents come out. Always hold the egg with the hole downward so the con¬ 
tents will escape freely. When the egg is emptied, wash the shell out with water, 
which can be introduced with a syringe or by taking a mouthful and forcing it into 
the egg through the blow-pipe. Remove embryos, particularly if well developed, 
by cutting them in pieces with scissors, and take out the pieces, one at a time, with 
hooks or forceps. With every set of eggs or “clutch ” the following data should be 
kept: Name of species, date and locality, collector’s number and the number of eggs 
in the set. 











THE VACATION SEASON. 


467 


SECTION 6. 

The Vacation Season. 


Some of 


the Many Resorts in Pennsylvania Where the Tourist 
Spend a Pleasant and Profitable Vacation. 


CAN 


In view of the fact that the author is frequently in receipt of inquiries as to locali¬ 
ties where the natural history student or sportsman can have an enjoyable vacation, 
it has been deemed advisable to make brief mention of a few of the principal resorts 
which are easy of access, and where ample accommodations may be obtained at 
reasonable rates. 

Notwithstanding the fact that various railroad companies operating in the Key¬ 
stone State disseminate much information of particular value to the pleasure seeker, 
through the aid of guide books and other means of advertising, it is noticeable that 
such meager mention is made of birds and mammals, as well as of the finny tribes, 
that but little knowledge of practical utility is to be gained by either zoological 
students or sportsmen, whether gunners or anglers. 

Limited space and lack of time unfortunately prevent the writer from giving in 
this volume a complete hunting and fishing guide (which is at the present time in 
course of preparation) of Pennsylvania and neighboring states. 

Fur, Fin and Feather. 

The birds of Pennsylvania include, in round numbers, about three hundred, 
species and sub-species which occur here either as permanent residents or temporary 
visitants. West of the Allegheny ranges, the bird life differs somewhat from that 
found east of the same mountains. 

At certain localities on the Lake Erie coast, which forms about fifty miles of our 
extreme northwestern boundary, different kinds of aquatic birds abound during 
their vernal and autumnal migrations, while in other sections of the commonwealth 
these same species—several of which are eagerly sought by the gunner—occur 
irregularly, or in such small numbers, that they cannot be hunted Avith any reason¬ 
able hope of success, i. e ., from the a\ T erage sportsman’s standpoint. The botanist, 
ornithologist or mammalogist Avho will explore the regions through which the 
Susquehanna, Allegheny, Juniata or Monongahela riv-ers flow, will be amply repaid 
for his trouble, and a visit to almost any of the highest mountain ranges will show 
an indigenous faunae, noticeably different from those in less elevated regions. 

FolloAving is the list of native mammals occurring in Pennsylvania which are 
hunted* either for food or on account of the commercial A^alue of their skins : Deer, 
black bear, squirrels (gray and black), gray rabbit, varying hare, raccoon, opossum, 
foxes (red and gray), Avildcat, muskrat, skunk, otter, pine marten and fisher. 

Of this list the pine marten and fisher are exceedingly rare, and are known to in¬ 
habit only a feAv localities in the state. 

The waters of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay, at Erie city, the Avestern terminus 
of the Philadelphia and Erie railroad, abound in a large A ariety of fish, which, in the 
summer season furnish delightful sport to those interested in such diversion. Many 

* County commissioners in some sections of Pennsylvania do not regard the scalp act of 1889 as uncon¬ 
stitutional, and they pay bounties as follows : AVildeat, $2.00 ; fox (red and gray), $1.00 ; mink, twenty- 
tive cents. 









468 


THE VACATION SEASOE 


of our picturesque and cool mountain streams are celebrated, for brook trout; some 
of the best trout streams are in Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Columbia, Cameron, Clinton, 
Sullivan, Potter, Blair and Lycoming counties. The chief objection made by many 
fishermen to trout fishing in this state is the rather small size of the fish. Brook 
trout can be taken, according to the laws of Pennsylvania, from April 15 to July 15. 

Coxxeaut Lake, 

a beautiful and healthful summer resort, three by one and a half miles in size, is 
located in Crawford county, northwestern Pennsylvania, twelve miles from Mead- 
ville. Several steamers and a small fleet of sail and row boats ply on the waters of 
the lake ; the hotel rates are reasonable and there are good camping grounds adja¬ 
cent to it. The waters have recently been stocked. Salmon, black and yellow bass 
fishing is reported to be good. In a number of the large lakes situated in north¬ 
eastern Pennsylvania, particularly in Susquehanna and Wayne counties, bass 
and pickerel fishing is pursued with considerable success. The concluding para¬ 
graph concerning some of the principal bass fishing points on the Susquehanna 
river are taken from Spangler’s Directory. 

Safe Harbor. 


This is a small village on the Susquehanna, a short distance below the mouth of 
the Conestoga creek, ninety-one miles from Philadelphia by the Pennsylvania rail¬ 
road (via. Columbia), eighty-eight miles by the Central Division, Philadelphia, 



FISHING ON THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Wilmington and Baltimore railroad (via Octoraro Junction), or ninety-three miles 
by the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore railroad (via Perryville). 

The hotel accommodations at this place and at all points on the Susquehanna to 
which reference will be made, are generally plain and substantial, ranging from one 
dollar to two dollars per day, and from five to eight dollars per w»ek. The usual 
charge for boat and boatman is $1.50 per day, and, presumably, includes bait; but 










































THE VACATION SEASON. 


460 


the angler whose sojourn is to be brief, will do well to carry his bait with him or 
order it in advance. When the latter plan is adopted he is expected to pay for it. 

There is good black bass fly fishing in the Conestoga from the first dam to its 
mouth, and bait fishing for both kinds of bass in the rapids and eddies immediately 
opposite the village of Safe Harbor. Striped bass, ranging from half a pound to a 
pound and upwards in weight, are frequently so abundant here as to become a se¬ 
rious annoyance to those whoseambition can only be satisfied when taking the black 
bass. The ordinary lures are used, the principal ones being live minnows, cray-tish, 
lielgramites, tadpoles, and sometimes earthworms, when more attractive baitcannot 
be had. These are the predominant baits at all the places to be named, except at 
Havre de Grace. 


Fite’s Eddy, 

twelve miles below Safe Harbor, has, for a number of years past, enjoyed notable 
reputation for its black bass. The water is deep and still, and the best lishing 
grounds are immediately opposite the hotel. The bass are usually plentiful here, 
especially late in the season—the best time for taking them. The fly fishing does 
not succeed well, the water being too deep and quiet. Baits already referred to are 
the kinds used. Hotel and boatman rates as quoted. 

Peach Bottom, 

or what is known as Peter’s creek, nearly opposite, is another well-known resort for 
black bass fishermen. It is about four miles below Fite’s Eddy, and lias good hotel 
and boating accommodations. Many bass are taken here in the course of the season, 
the waters being especially adapted to them. In the still deep pools in the vicinity 
the largest fish are caught. Fly fishing in the rapids and eddies. In addition, large 
suntisli, chubs and catfish afford abundant sport when the more capricious bass are 

not inclined to take the bait. Good hotels; boatmen plentiful. 

Port Deposit. 

This is the most celebrated black and striped bass lishing locality on the Susque¬ 
hanna. It is three miles from Perrvville, which is on the Philadelphia, Wilmington 
and Baltimore railroad, sixty miles from Philadelphia and thirty-seven miles from 
Baltimore. It can also be reached from Philadelphia by the Central Division of the 
Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad. Black bass, at this place, are 
not only numerous but usually are large sized, ranging from two to seven pounds, 
and averaging from three to four. The bait in best repute is the live mud dabbler , 
a small fish procured from Baltimore, to secure which orders must be given in ad¬ 
vance. Live shrimp from the same source are also very effective ; then follow the 
ordinary minnow, the cray-fish, tadpole and small catfish. 

Early in the season trolling is most in vogue. This is pursued in the rapids, com¬ 
mencing a mile above and extending as far as Conowingo bridge. A float with a 
very light sinker, or none, is used, with four or five feet of line below the float. The 
waters in the vicinity of Port Deposit at times fairly teem with striped bass. At no 
other point on the Susquehanna are they taken in equal abundance or of as large size. 
A twenty-pounder is frequently hooked, though none but experienced anglers care 
to encounter customers of that size. No finer sport could lie desired than is afforded 
by these gamey and beautiful fish. They are taken in pretty much the same man¬ 
ner and with the same bait as the black bass. 

Earlv in the morning and from four o’clock until sundown are their best biting 
hours. Salted eel-tail is a favoritie lure, and they are also captured by means of the 
spoon. When the latter is used, clear water is essential to success. June and July 
are the best seasons at this place for both kinds of bass. The hotel accommodations 
are good, at 11.50 per day. Boats that comfortabl}' carry several fishermen, together 
with the boatman, can be had for $3.00 a day, the lessees paying for the bait. 










470 


THE VACATION SEASON. 



ABOVE KENOVO, OX PHILADELPHIA AXI) ERIE RAILROAD. 


White Perch and Moccasin. 

“ Before bidding adieu to the Susquehanna, the fact deserves mention that there 
are good perch grounds in the vicinity o1 Port Deposit and off Locust Point, at the 
northern end of Spesutia Island, some six miles below Havre de Grace. 

“In the narrows, between Spesutia Island and the main land, moccasin or siln- 
fish of large size are plentiful and readily taken. Although not generally so classi¬ 
fied, they deserve to be ranked among the game fish, for at certain times they take 
the fly as readily and greedily as the trout. They are very abundant also at the 
edge of the channel at Carpenter’s Point, at the mouth of the Northeast river, nearly 
opposite Havre de Grace, and few miles south of Principio Station, on Philadelphia, 
Wilmington and Baltimore railroad.” 

The Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. 

The main line of the Philadelphia and Erie railroad runs in a northwesterly 
course from Sunbury, Northumberland county, to the great lakes, a distance of two 















THE VACATION SEASON. 


471 


hundred and eighty-eight miles, through the counties of Lycoming, Clinton, Cam¬ 
eron, Elk, McKean, Warren and Erie. This line traverses a region of remarkably 
varied and most charming mountain and river scenery. From the elevated site of 
Kano the road descends in steep grades and penetrates some of the richest and most 
interesting oil and natural gas fields in the McKean-Warren district. No section of 
Pennsylvania affords a better field of research for the student of natural history, or, 
on the other hand, offers more inducements to the devotees of rod and gun, than 
the territory from the great lumbering center, Williamsport, to the busy city of Erie. 

Lakk Erik and the Bay. 

Lake Erie has an area of about 9,000 square miles. It is a little larger than Lake 
Ontario, but considerably smaller than the three other great lakes to the north and 
westward. Its length is given as about 240 miles, with an average width of about 40 
miles; opposite Ashtabula, Ohio, it attains the greatest width, being, it is said, 58 
miles. “The fisheries of the lake are of vast importance, surpassing in extent those 
of any other of the great lakes, or of any other body of fresh water in the world.” 
The line of the coast in our state is notable for its evenness, which is broken only in 
the neighborhood of Erie, where, to the southwest of the city, the peninsula 
(Presque Isle, or almost an island, as it is often when the water is high) runs off 
in a northeasterly and easterly course, “so as to almost include a body of water 
four or five miles long, and from one to two miles wide. As this has a depth suffi¬ 
cient to admit the largest vessels, it forms an excellent harbor, one of the best upon 
the lakes, variously known as Erie Bay, Presque Isle Bay and Erie harbor.” The 
mirA r flats adjacent to the mouth of Mill creek, a small stream which discharges its 
waters, with much garbage, into the bay, between the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home 
and the iron ore dock, are common feeding grounds for different kinds of water 
birds, during migration as well as at other periods. 

Good hotel accommodations can be secured in Erie city at reasonable rates ; boats 
and competent boatmen may always be obtained at moderate prices. The Peninsula, 
a great arm extending about six miles from the mainland into the lake, forms the 
northern boundary of Presque Isle Bay, a locality famous for its good fishing and a 
common resort (as noted on preceding pages) for many kinds of water birds. 

Several ponds on the Peninsula, which have been sown in recent years with wild 
rice (Zizania aquatica, Linn.), are favorite feeding places for different species of 
Avild ducks. Nowhere in the state except along the Dehvware river, in the vicinity 
of Chester city, are Sora or Carolina Rails as plentiful in the late summer or early 
autumn as they are in these rice-groAvn x>onds. On the sand bars, muddy flats and 
gravelly shores, shore birds congregate in large numbers and afford excellent sport 
to gunners. 


Kane. 

Colonel Thomas I,. Kane founded and laid out the town of Kane, McKean county, 
Avhere he raised, in the spring of 1861, a regiment of hunters, trappers and loggers, 
known as the “Bucktails,” which became famous for their great bravery, skill as 
marksmen, and unusual powers of endurance. Kane, ninety-five miles from the 
metropolis of the lake, is situated at an elevation of two thousand and one feet 
above the level of the sea. It is the highest point reached by the Philadelphia 
and Erie railroad. Dainty and sprightly warblers and many other species of wild 
birds, Avhose shoAvy garbs or rare vocal powers make them particular objects of 
interest, are abundant in the extensive hemlock and hard wood forests of this 
attractive resort. To the east of the town is a large tract known as the “Wild Cat 
Country.” In this tract the tourist Avill frequently meet with straggling individuals, 
or sometimes small flocks, of Avild pigeons, * which, until within a few years, Avere 
found in countless numbers in McKean and neighboring counties. 


* See pages 111 and 112. 










472 


THE VACATION SEASON. 


The familiar snowbird (Junco hyemalis) finds a congenial summer abode on the 
elevated table land where Kane is located, known as “Big Level,” which constitutes 
the boundary from south to north of the Pennsylvania oil and coal field. A fifteen 
minutes’walk along the railroad, westward from the Thompson House, will lead 
one to a locality where the Mourning, Hooded, Chestnut-sided, Pine, and Magnolia 
Warblers, also, the sweet-voiced Olive-backed Thrush, the secretive and melodious 
little Winter Wren annually rear their young. Pheasants or ruffed grouse are 
scarce, but squirrels are usually quite plentiful. In the early part of September, 
1889, the writer saw two gunners bring in over forty black squirrels which they 
had shot in one day, within half mile of the Thompson House, the principal hotel, 
where unusually good accommodation can be obtained. This temperance hotel— 
lighted and heated by natural gas—is built in the midst of a large park with an 
abundance of shade trees. 


Emporium, 

the county seat of Cameron, is 149 miles from Erie city v via Philadelphia and Erie 
railroad), and 297 miles from Philadelphia by the Pennsylvania railroad (via Har¬ 
risburg and Sunbury). The population is about 2,500. Until within a compara¬ 
tively recent period lumbering was the only important business engaged in, butnow, 
since this industry has very appreciably decreased, in consequence of the depletion 
of many of the heavily-wooded parts of the country in the vicinity of the town, new 



FOREST SCENE IX CAMERON COUNTY. 


enterprises have sprung up and are being pushed with much vigor and success. 
Aside from its important lumbering interests, and numerous saw-mills, Emporium 
lias a furniture factory of considerable size, extensive powder works and a large iron 
furnace which give employment to a goodly proportion of her industrious, frugal 
and good-hearted citizens. The principal hotels are the Warner House, Commercial 

St. Charles, City, Cottage and Cook’s hotels, where very good accommodations can be 

obtained at prices ranging from one to two dollars per day ; or from five dollars to 
eight dollars per week. The charges for livery teams are as reasonable as those of 
the average rural towns. 

Trustworthy guides—skilled in the use of both rod and gun—who are thoroughly 
acquainted with every section of the country can be hired at astonishingly low figures 
on application to the clerks at any of the hotels. Quail are almost unknown to the 



















THE VACATION SEASON. 


473 









ifijppfli ||j!Jji | 


mm 











































474 


THE VACATION SEASON. 


hunters of this region, but ruffed grouse or pheasants are abundant notwithstand¬ 
ing the fact that these noble game birds, both old and young, are destroyed in large 
numbers by foxes and wildcats which are exceedingly numerous here. Rabbits are 
common but, like the grouse and other species of ground-nesting birds, they also suffer 
greatly from the depredations of foxes, wildcats and weasles. The Varying Hare 
(Lej^us arnericanus ) an animal which presents a curious phenomenon of becoming 
white in winter, although attired in a brownish coat in the summer season, is a fa¬ 
miliar and unusually fleet-footed inhabitant of the extensive laurel thickets in the 
mountain ridges west of Emporium. 

This animal, commonly known as “white rabbit”, affords capital sport when 
hunted with good hounds. From ten to a dozen black bears are captured in the 
neighborhood of Emporium every season, according to reports received from relia¬ 
ble informants, but bear hunting parties in this, or almost any other, portion of 
Pennsylvania, much oftener return home empty-handed than otherwise. 

Deer are quite plentiful. Mr.M. M.Larabee, a gentleman whose thirty years’experi¬ 
ence as a collector and student of natural history has enabled him to become thor¬ 
oughly familiar with the life histories of the birds and mammals of his region, says, 
that until within the last five or six years from one hundred and fifty to three hun¬ 
dred deer were killed and shipped from Emporium during the hunting season of 
each year. Now not over fifty of these animals on an average are annually sent to the 
market from this point. One fact concerning the Cameron county hunters deserv¬ 
ing of particular note, is that they will not allow deer to be hunted with dogs (which 
is contrary to the laws of Pennsylvania); and furthermore when the shooting season 
is over they do not kill or permit any one else to destroy deer or other game as is 
unfortunately the case in some other good hunting localities of our state. Porcu¬ 
pines or, as many term them, “Hedge Hogs” are very common in the wooded dis¬ 
tricts. 

Tho Northern raven and pileated woodpecker, resident species, are frequently 
met with in this locality, but both are so shy that it is an extremely difficult task to 
capture them. Brook trout are numerous in the streams of Cameron and adjoining 
counties. Although many streams could be particularized by name, two, viz. : 
Cowley run, about six miles from Emporium, and Cook’s run about four miles dis¬ 
tant from the same town, are particularly noted for the fine trout fishing they afford. 

Clinton County 

has been noted, for many years past, as a favorite hunting ground for deer, black 
bear and pheasants or ruffed grouse (Boiiasci umbellus). It may be reached by 
hunters from the eastern and western portions of the state via the Philadelphia and 
Erie railroad, w r hich traverser, through the center of the county, a distance of 52 
miles. Tho favorite hunting grounds are on the Scootac range of mountains, 10 
miles southwest of Glen Union station ; Hall’s run, 8 miles southwest of Renovo ; 
Round Island, 4 miles west of Keating station; Hammersley’s Forks, 12 miles north 
of Westport station • Youngwoman’s creek, 10 miles north of North Bend station. 
The latter two places are contiguous to the famous hunting grounds of Potter county, 
where there is a continuous stretch of forest lands for 75 miles. In 1885, according 
to reliable informants, 2,200 deer were killed in Clinton and Potter counties. Since 
then the number slain has largely diminished annually, and at present black bears 
are believed to be more plentiful than deer. During the winter of 1890 and 1891 sev¬ 
eral hundred bears were reported to have been trapped and killed in the western 
part of the county. In the same region wildcats aro quite frequently met with, also 
the pine marten and fisher, but both are rare and seldom taken by hunters or trap¬ 
pers. The pileated woodpecker resides, during all months of the year, in this ex¬ 
tensive and attractive wooded district. Raccoons and porcupines are abundant, but 
tho opossum is of rare occurrence. 

In the fall of 1890 pheasants were very plenty along Baker’s Run, near Glen Union 
station ; on Youngwoman’s Creek, near North Bend station ; on Sandy Run, 6 miles 








THE VACATION SEASON. 


475 


northwest of Renovo, and along the Susquehanna and Clearfield railroad—a branch 
of the P. and E. railroad running from Keating to Karthaus, a distance of 23 miles, 
in West Keating township. 



SCENE ALONG THE WEST BRANCH. 


The native gray squirrel is becoming scarcer every year, while on the other hand 
the red or “Pine” squirrel is annually increasing in numoers. About the latter 
part of September of each year, black squirreis make their appearance in large num¬ 
bers. They are migratory, and their sojourn seldom lasts more than a few weeks. 
Hundreds of them were shot along the Philadelphia and Erie railroad in fall of 1890* 
Rabbits are still plentiful in the valleys of the county, near by Lock Haven, the 
county seat Gray foxes and wildcats are numerous in the townships of Gallaher, 























476 


THE VACATION SEASON. 


Grugan, Chapman, Leidy, East and West Keating and Beech Creek. These sly, 
predatory animals are especially destructive of the farmers’ poultry as well as of all 
kinds of small game. Foxes rarely molest the young fawns, but wildcats, from 
reports of hunters and woodmen, destroy large numbers of fawns annually. 

Black bass were placed in the West Branch river by the State Fish Commissioners 
about ten years ago. Since then they have become abundant, and afford plenty ot 
sport to the angler. The best places to fish for bass are at Lock Haven, Queen’s 
run, Farrandsville, Glen Union, North Bend, Renovo, Westport, and Keating, on 
the West Branch, and at Round Island, Wistar and Sinnemahoning station, on the 
Sinnemahoning river. All the above points are reached on the Philadelphia and 
Erie railroad. 

Brook trout fishing has been fairly good the past season (1891). The favorite 
streams are Baker’s run (Glen Union station), Youngwoman’s creek (North Bend 
station) and Kettle creek (Westport station). On account of many streams—Hy- 
mer’s run, Burn’s run, Hall’s run and others—being recently stocked by the State 
Fish Commissioners, fishing has been prohibited for a period of three years. 

The Diamond Yallf.y, 

another of Pennsylvania’s natural game preserves, located in the western part of 
Huntingdon county, is about one hundred and fifty miles east from Pittsburgh, and a 
little over two hundred westward from Philadelphia, via the Pennsylvania railroad 
(mainline). For many years past this locality has been famous for game—both 
large and small—and in the summer months it is frequently visited by naturalists 
who camp out when searching for specimens. The region has a rich and varied flora 
and fauna, and some rare “ finds ” are said to have been recently made there by 
zoologists and botanists. 

Diamond Valley is twenty to twenty-five miles long and varies from one to three 
miles in width. From the Juniata river—a stream noted for its fine fishing and 
beautiful scenery—it extends northward to the Great Bear Meadows in Centre, Mif¬ 
flin and Huntingdon counties. Tne Tussey mountains rise to a considerable eleva¬ 
tion on the eastern side of the valley, while to the west are the ranges known as the 
Broad Top mountains, where, according to tradition, cruel, blood-thirsty and heart¬ 
less red men, long years ago, were wont to take their captives and subject them to 
tortures far more horrible than death. On these as well as other neighboring mount¬ 
ain ridges, white pine, hemlock, and yellow pine trees grow in abundance. Oaks 
of different kinds are also common, especially the variety called “rock ” oak. 

The mountains range from about 1,000 to 1,200 fee^ above sea level. Brook trout 
are said to be abundant in Globe run and several other of the smaller creeks of the 
district. Diamond Valley is readily reached from either of the following stations 
on the Pennsylvania railroad : Spruce Creek and Petersburg, where good guides 
and hotel accommodations can be obtained. Barree, one hundred and forty-two 
miles from the Smoky City, is the name of anoth:r station where hunters often stop 
off'. The following table will give a very clear idea of the 

Game in Diamond Valley and Near Vicinity.* 


Name op Animal. 


Virginia deer. 


Black bear. 
Otter, . . 
Wildcat, . 


Fox, red. 
Fox, gray, 


Remarks. 


Fairly common, but becoming less so every year; in the season of 1890 sixty- 
five were killed in Diamond Valley. 

Frequent: five captured fall of 1890 in Diamond Valley. 

Rare. 

Rather numerous on some of the mountain spurs. A great destroyer of 
game—grouse, quail and rabbits. 

Common; both devour much poultry and game. 


* Extracts from notes received by the author through the courtesy of Mr. George H Hnrrhinmn of 
Warrior’s Mark. Penna ' oi 



















THE VACATION SEASON. 477 

Game in Diamond Valley and near Vicinity— Continued. 




Name of Animal. 

Remarks. 

Porcupine. 

Tolerably common. 

Raccoon. 

Abundant. 

Opossum. 

Rare. 

Ground-hog; Woodchuck. 

Abundant. 

Skunk. 

Abundant: feeds on poultry and game, as well as insect life. 

Common rabbit. 

Abundant. 

Varying hare ; white rab¬ 
bit. 

Found on the Bald Eagle ridge (Muncy Mt.), a few miles west of Diamond 
Valley. 

Squirrel, gray. 

Very abundant in 1890. 

I)o. red : pine. . . . 

Abundant; kills many young birds and drives grays away. 

Do. black. 

Common some seasons, but rare at other times. 

Do. living. 

Rather scarce. 

I)o. fox. 

\ 

Very rare; two killed in 1890. 

Mink. 1 

Abundant. They destroy much poultry and game. 

Weasels.\ 


Muskrat. 

Abundant. 

Pheasant; Ruffed grouse. . 

Abundant. 

Quail; Partridge. 

In 1890 were quite plentiful in eastern uhd central parts of Huntingdon 
county, especially in Harris’ Valley and Smith’s Valley, both south of the 
town of Huntingdon. 

Wild Turkey. 

Very plenty in 1890. Saddle ridge is best locality. Turkeys are to be found 
on Short Mt. Jack’s Mt., Shade Mt., Muncy Mt., and Broad Top Mt. 

































INDEX TO SUPPLEMENT 


A. 

Agclaius, 441 

phoeniceus, 441 
Ambrosia artemisiaefolia. 446 
Ammodramus, 449 

sandwichensts savanna, 449 
Anas, 437 

americana, 437 
boscbas, 445 
carollnensis, 438 
crecca, 438 
penelope, 437 
Ardea, 441 

candidissima, 447 
cerulea. 446 
herodias. 441 
virescens. 445 
Avocet. American, 439 
Aythya, 445 
affinis. 445 
valllsneria, 447 


B. 

Barree. 476 

Bass, 475, 476 

Black, 468, 469 
Striped, 469 
Yellow, 468 
Bass baits, 469 
Bay. Erie. 471 

Presque Isle, 467, 471 
Bear, Black. 467. 474. 476 
Bird. How to Skin a, 452-458 
Birds. Collecting. 451, 452 
Birds' Eggs, How to Prepare. 466 
Birdskins. Methods of Making. 458-461 

Birds, of Allegheny county, 446 
of the Delaware Valley, 440-442 
of Greene county, 447 
Bittern, American, 441. 446 
Least, 441, 446 
Blackbird. Crow, 441 
Swamp. 441 
Bobolink. 442, 448 

Bonasa, 446 

umbellus. 446 

Botaurus, 441 

exilis, 441. 446 
le itiginosus, 441, 446 

Buteo, 448 

lattssimus. 448 

C. 

Cardinal, 446, 448 
Cardinalis, 446 

cardinalis. 446, 448 
Carpenter's Point. 470 
Catbird, 442, 447 
Cattish, 469 
Cathartes. 448 
aura, 448 


Ceophloeus. 448 
pileatus. 448 
Chippy, 441 
Chubs, 469 
Coccyzus, 446 

erythrophthalmus, 446 
Colinus, 446 

virginianus, 446 
Compsothlypis, 445 
americana, 445 
Coot, 441 

Conowingo Bridge. 469 
Cormorant, 445, 449 

Counties for Game and Fish 
Blair, 468 
Cameron, 468 
Centre. 476 
Clinton, 468. 474 
Columbia, 468 
Crawford, 468 
Elk. 471 
Erie, 471 
Huntingdon, 476 
Lycoming, 468 
McKean, 471 
Mifflin. 476 
Monroe. 468 
Pike, 468 
Potter. 468 
Sullivan, 468 
Warren, 471 
Wayne, 468 

Crane, Sandhill, 438, 439 
Creeks. Conestoga. 468 
Mill. 471 

Youngwoman’s 474 
Creeper, Black and White, 441 
Cuckoo. Black-billed. 446 


D. 


Deer, 467, 474 
Virginia, 476 

Dendroica. 443 

blackburniae, 445. 447 

caerulea, 443, 445, 446 

caerulescens, 444 

coronata. 446 

dominica, 447 

maculosa. 443, 445 

pensylvanica, 443, 445. 447, 448 

vigorsii, 449 

Virens, 444, 445, 447 

Dlckcissel, 448 

Dolichonyx, 442 

oryzivorus, 442. 448 

Duck. Canvas-back. 447 
Lesse, Scaup, 445 
Ruddy. 445 

E. 


Ectopistes. 446 

migratorius, 446, 447 

Empidonax, 442 

minimus, 442. 446 
pusillustraillii, 448 

( 479 ) 




480 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Emporium. 472 

Lanius, 446 

ludovicianus, 443 
ludovicianus, excubitorides, 446 

Lark. Horned, 442 

Prairie Horned, 449, 450 

Larus, 445 

argentatus, smithsonianus, 445 
Lepus. americanus, 474 

Lock Haven, 476 

Erie. City, 467 

Harbor. 471 

Lake, 467, 471 

Erismatura. 445 

rubida, 445 

F. 

Farrandsville, 476 

Fawns, 476 

Locust Point, 4,0 

Fisher, 467. 474 

Fite's Eddy. 469 

31. 

Flycatcher, Least, 442 

Traill’s. 448 

Making up large skins, 459 

Mallard. 445 

Fly-fishing, 469 

Marten, Pine. 467, 474 

Fox, Gray, 467, 476 

Melanerpes, 446 

Red. 467, 476 

carolinus. 448 

Foxes, 474, 475, 476 

erythrocephalus, 446 

Fulica. 441 

Melospiza, 441 

americana, 441 

georgiana, 441, 448 


Mimus, 448 

(i. 

polyglottos, 448 

Galeoscoptes. 442 

carolinensis, 442 447 

Mink. 477 

Mniotilta. 4 41 
varia, 441, 445 

Moccasin. 470 

Geothlypis. 444 

formosa. 444. 447. 448 

Philadelphia, 444 

Mounting Birds, 463-466 

Glen Union, 474 

Muskrat, 467, 477 

Gnatcatcher. Blue-gray. 444. 447. 448 

Myiarchus, 445 .. 

Grosbeak, Rose-breasted. 441. 442, 447 

Ground-hog. 47 7 

crinitus, 445 

Grouse Ruffed. 446. 472, 474, 477 

N. 

Grus. 438 

North Bend. 474 

mexicana, 438 

Notes, Miscellaneous, 44S. 450 

Gull, Herring, 445 

Western Pennsylvania Field, 442 

H. 

Nyctea. 449 

nyctea, 449 

Habia. 441 

Nycticorax. 438 

violaceus, 438. 441 

ludoviciana. 441, 442, 4i7 

Haematopus, 440 

O. 

palliatus, 440 

Hammersley's Forks. 474 

Oceanites. 437 

Hare. Varying. 467, 474. 477 

oceanicus, 437 

Harporhynchus. 442 

Octoraro Junction, 468 

rufus, 442, 447 

Opossum. 467, 477 

Hawk. Fish. 446 

Otocoris, 442 

Broad-winged, 448 

alpestris practicola. 442, 445, 449. 

Hedge-Hogs, 474 

Otter, 467, 476 

Helminthophila, 443 

Owl. Barn. 441 

chrysoptera, 443, 445 

Hawk. 441 

pinus, 447 

Snowy, 449 

Helmitherus. 442 

Oyster-catcher. American, 440 

vermivorus. 442, 445. 448 

Heron, Great Blue, 441 


Little Blue, 446 

P. 

Snowy, 447 

Yellow-crowned Night, 438, 441 

Pandion, 446 

haliaetus carolinensis. 446 


Parus, 447 

I. 

bicolor, 447 

Ibis. Wood, 449 

Passerella. 446 

Icteria, 444 

iliaca, 446 

virens, 444, 445 

Peach Bottom, 469 

Instruments, etc., used in making skins, 453, 454 

Perch. White. 470 

Island, Spesutia. 470 

Petersburg, 476 

Petrel, Wilson's. 437 

J. 

Phalacrocorax, 445 

Junco, 446 

dilophus, 445. 449 

hyemalis, 446 

Phalarope, Northern. 442 
Phalaropus, 442 

K. 

lobatus, 442 

Kane, 471 

Karthaus. 475 

Keating, 474, 475 

L. 

Pheasants, 474 

Pickerel, 46S 

Pigeons. Wild, 446 ,. 447, 471 

Piranga, 445 

erythromelas. 445 

Labeling, 453 

rubra, 447 

Lake Conneaut, 468 

Plumage, Cleaning the, 45S 









INDEX. 


481 


Polioptila, 444 

CiBrulea, 444. 445, 447, 448 
Porcupines, 474, 477 
Port Deposit, 4<>9. 470 

Protection of Birds, amendments to act of May 14. 
1889, 450 


Q. 

Quail, 446, 472, 477 
Quiscalus, 441 
quiscula, 441 
quiscula aeneus, 446 


K. 


Rabbit. Gray, 467. 477 
White. 474. 477 
Rabbits. 475 
Raccoon. 467, 477 
Rail, King, 441 

Railroad, Pennsylvania. 468. 476 

Philadelphia and Erie. 467. 470, 472. 475 
Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore, 468, 
469. 470 

Susquehanna and Clearfield, 475 
Rallus, 441 

elegans, 441 
Raven, Northern, 474 
Recurvirostra, 489 
americana, 439 
Redstart, 441 
Renovo, 474, 475 

Rivers, Allegheny, 467 
Juniata, 467 
Monongahela, 467 
Susquehanna. 467, 468, 470 
Robin, American, 448 
Round Island. 474 
Run. Baker's. 474 
Cook’s, 474 
Cowley, 474 
Hall’s, 474 
Sandy, 474 
Queen’s. 476 


S. 


Safe Harbor, 468. 469 
Salmon. 468 
Salted Skins, 461 

Sandpiper. Baird’s, 439, 440 
Solitary, 441 


Strix. 441 

pratincola. 441 
Suntish, 469, 470 
Surnia, 441 

ulula eaparoeh. 441 
Sylvania, 444 

canadensis, 444, 445, 447 
mitrata, 444 


T. 


Tanager, Summer, 447 
Tantalus. 449 
loculator. 449 
Teal, European, 438 
The Diamond Valley. 476, 477 

Thrush. Brown, 442, 447 
Hermit, 447 

Olive-backed, 447, 448, 472 
Water, 446 
Wilson's. 444. 447 
Wood, 448 
Thrushes. 44R, 449 

Thryothorus. 445 

bewiekii 447, 448, 449 
ludovicianus, 445 
Titmouse. Tufted, 447 

Totanus, 441 

solitarius, 441 

Tringa. 439 
bairdii. 439 
maculata, 439 

Troglodytes, 445 
aedon, 445 
Turdus, 444 

aonalaschkae pallasii. 447 
fuscescens, 444. 445, 447 
mustelinus, 444 
ustulatus swainsonii, 447, 448 
Turkey. Wild, 477 


V. 


Vireo. 445 

tlavifrons. 447 
olivaceus, 445 
solitarius, 447 
Vireo. Blue-headed. 447 
Yellow throated, 447 
Vulture. Turkey. 448 


W. 


Seiurus, 445 

aurocapillus. 445 
motacilla. 445, 446, 448 

Setophaga. 441 

ruticilla, 441, 445 
Sex, IIow to Determine. 455, 456 
Shrike, Great Northern, 446 
Loggerhead. 448 
White-rumped, 446 
Sinnemahoning. 476 

Skins, How to Wsah and Dry Salted. 462 
Skunk. 467, 477 
Sparrow. Fox. 446 
Savanna, 449 
Swamp. 441, 448 

Species, Descriptions of Additional, 437 
Specimens, How to Collect, Prepare and Preserve. 

450-466 

Spiza. 448 

americana, 448 

Spizella. 441 
socialis, 441 

Spruce Creek, 476 
Squirrels, 467 

Black, 467. 472, 475, 477 
Flying. 477 
Fox, 477 

Gray, 467, 475. 477 
Pine, 477 
Red. 477 


Warbler. Blackburnian, 447 

Black-throated Green. 444, 447 
Blue winged, 447 
Canadian, 444, 447 
Cerulean, 443, 446 

Chestnut-sided. 443, 444, 447, 448. 472 

Golden-winged. 443, 447 

Hooded. 444. 172 

Kentucky, 444. 447, 448 

Magnolia, 443, 472 

Mourning. 444, 472 

Myrtle. 446 

Pine. 449. 472 

Worm-eating. 442, 448 

Yellow-throated, 447 

Warblers, 471 
Weasels, 474, 477 
Westport. 474 
Widgeon. 437 
Wildcat, 467. 476 
Wildcats. 474, 475 
Wildcat Country, 471 
Wiring Large Skins, 460 
Wistar, 476 
Woodchuck, 477 
Woodpecker, Pileated. 448, 474 
Red-bellied. 448 
Red-headed. 446 
Wren. Bewick's, 447, 448, 449 
Winter, 472 









































































































































































' ; 





► • 











f 








































































Horned. Grebe. 

. Adult Male; 2. Female in Winter. 







Plate 







































































- 


































































. 


























































































































































x 

ST 

a 
































Plate 4 



Wood Buck—Summer Buck. 


1. Male; 2. Female. 



























American Bittern 




At 


L, r. 

'H: 7 4 ■ 

i ■ • l ’ 

M. V && U . A 

;»si r -v 
* 





Plate 5. 




















































Black-crowned. Night Heron 



Plate 











































cb 
• • 

to 

% 

Cb 

B 

so 

ct> 



& 

B 

B 

O 

to 


^ So 

s* & 

C5 • 

fa 

<*5 








Plate 














































































































































































































America,n Coot 


















Plate 8. 














































' 

i 

■:§g 


Plate 9. 
























Killdeer. 

. Male; 2. Female. 



Plate 11. 
























% 


















































Bob-white; Quail. 

Male; 2. Female; 3. Young. 



Plate t2 








Hate 13. 



Marsh Hawk. 

1. Male; 2. Female. 











. 



















































































































































































. 
























Plate 14 







Sharp-shinned Hawk. 

1. Male; 2. Female. 












Plate 15 



Red-tailed Hawk. 

1, Male; 2. Female . 




Plate 16 



1. Broad-winged Hawk. 2, 3. 


Sparrow-Hawk. 






































































'. 







































Plate 17 



Barn Owl. 



















* 

































•* 

















. 




















































































Plate i8 



Screech Owl. 


- IS- 

















Plate 19. 



1. Yellow-throated. Vireo. 2. Blue-winged Warbler. 
3. Great Horned Owl. Males. 










Plate 20 




Belted Kingfisher. 

1. Males; 2. Female. 












Plate 21 



Red-headed Woodpecker. 

1. Male; 2. Female; 3. Young: 









Plate 22. 



Flicker. 


1. Male; 2. 




Female. 





























r 












Plate 23 




1. Night-Hawk. 2. Whip-poor-will. 

Males. 





































Plate 24. 





Tyrant Flycatcher, or King Bird 

1. Male; 2. Female. 















' • 

. 











































- i 










• ♦ 

















































Plate 25 




Blue Jay. 

1. Male; 2 and 3. Female. 














Plate 27. 



Red-winged Black-Bird. 

1. Male Adult; 2. Female; 3. Young Male. 




















































. 










Plate 28 



Meadow Lark. 

1 . Males; 2, Female, 














Plate 29 



Baltimore Oriole, or Hang-nest. 

1. Male Adult; 2. Young Male; 3. Female. 






































I 







% 













•- 


jt- 










































3. Chipping Sparrow, Male. 4. Song Sparrow. 
























Plate 31. 



3 . 



1. American Goldfinch. 

2. Pine Finch. 3. Fox Sparrow. 

































































































































* 



. 






Plate 32 



1. Vesper Sparrow. 

3. Yellow-winged Sparrow. 2. Field Sparrow. 

Males. 












Plate 33. 



1, 2, English Sparrow . 


Male and Female. 


.< 


3, 4. Snow-Bird. 

Female and Male. 











Plate 34- 




Cardinal Grosbeak. 

1. Male: 2. Female, 















. 


. 


5 . 













* 





























* 















Plate 



Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 

1. Males; 2. Female; 3. Yeung Male. 



























































































































































* 











































Plate 36. 



Indigo Bunting. 

1, 2, 3. Males in different stages of Plumage; 4. Female. 
















Scarlet Tanager. 

t. Male; 2. Female. 








































































*9 
















Plate 38 



White-bellied Swallow. 

1 . Adult Male; 2. Female. 

& fl| 














0 





# 


















Plate 39 . 





Cedar Bird, or Cedar Wax-wing. 

1. Male; 2. Female. 











• 4* * 






























■* > 









V 










X 






Plate 40 




t 








Red-eyed. Vireo. 


Male. 
















Plate 41. 






























Maryland Yellow Warbler. 

i. Adult; 2. Female; 3. Young Male. 


Plate 42. 








Plate 43 



American Redstart. 

1. Male; 2. Female. 










































■ 









Brown Thrush. 

1, 2. Males; 8 Female. 











































Plate 46. 



White-breasted Nut-hatch. 

1. Male; 2. Females. 



















Plate 47 








Blackcap Titmouse, 

1. Male; 2 Female . 

















































% 









Plate 48 










Plate 49 



American Robin. 

1. Male; 2. Female and young. 


* 






* 

























« 








i 










' • 







Common Blue Bird. 

1. Male; 2. Female; 3. Young. 























Young in Winter; 2. Adult 



Plate 51. 






Bonaparte’s Gull. 

1. Male. Spring. 2, 3. Female and Young. Fall. 



I 


Plate 52. 








Plate 53. 




Least Tern. 

1. Adult; 2. Young. Fall. 




Plate 54. 



1. Cliff Swallow. 2. Barn Swallows. 








\ 





















t 











* 

\ 






Plate 55. 








Plate 56 



Ruby-throated. Humming-bird. 

1. Male; 2. Female. 












Plate 57 




1. American Crow. 


2j 3. Cow-bird. 


Female and Male. 










Plate 58. 



1. Red-breasted Nut-hatch. 
Male. 


2, 3. Purple Martin. 

Male and Female. 








) 




























































ujLu-uvyiU'fy uofJLuaui y 


















































































































' 























1. Buttle-head. 2, 3. Green-winged Teal 



I 


Plate 6o. 







*• 




















































Plate 61 




I 

1. Purple Grackle. 


2. Bronzed Grackle. 


Males. 










i. Old-Squaw. 2. Redhead. 3. Lesser Scaup-Duck 



Plate 62. 




Ruddy Buck. 

i, 2. Males; 3. Female 



i 


Plate 63. 













































Plate 64 







Wild Goose. 

Male. 































. 





. 



Is « ^ - 










































1 












* 
















m 



j 


i 


Plate 65 






















- 





. 




















































■ 






















1. Pectoral Sandpiper. 2. Florida Gallinnle 



I 


Plate 66. 




















. 



















. 





































































Plate 67. 
























•> 

















































































' 



* 










































* 







Bartrztmian Sandpiper . 



Plate 68. 































* 




























. 















' 
























































Plate 69 



Great Blue Heron. 

















Plate 70. 



Pileated Woodpecker. 

1. Male; 2. Female. 













I 
























Plate 71. 



Wild Pigeon. Mourning Dove. 

1, 3. Males ; 2. Female. 


























Plate 72 



1 


1. Winter Wren. 


2. Cat-bird. 




































- 


















♦ 






















* 












HR Mm 



















































































. 








Plate 73. 



1. Carolina Wren. 2. Bay-breasted Warbler. 

3. Chestnut-sided Warbler, Males. 



















Plate 74 






Wild Turkey. 

Male. 







































> 











' 










4 


















•s 




















Plate 75 



Orchard Oriole. 

1, 2. Males; 3. Female. 




























' • 






Plate 76. 



1. Hairy Woodpecker, Male. 2,3. Downy Woodpecker, Male and Female. 
4. Red-bellied Woodpecker, Male. 




























Plate 77. 


Yellow-bellied Sapsacker. 

1, 2. Male and Female; 3. Young. 






















* 


























■' V 


. 1 
























/ 






o' 




1. Least Sandmner. 2. Virginia Rail 







Plate 78. 







































% 







































































% 

























































fete*. 


•**“-*■ 

.- -■* - 




*\r 


Cl, 

C 


C-+- 

02 


Co 


3 

g 





Plate 79. 




















































Plate 8o 





Fish Hawk. 







Co 

o 

Cf- 

C'f- 

CO 

Pto 

gO 

S 

a 

•a 

CD 

hJ 

N 

65 ’ 
»—* 
Cb 
03 


to 

CO 

to 

C-+. 

CO 

hi 

co 

S<XJ 

o 

« 

§ 

Cq 


N> 

s? 

CD 

e 

•s- 

so 

& 

s» 

c-*- 

CO 

Ru 

to 

to 

to 

►£- 

ho 

ho 

CO 

to 



Plate 8i. 





















































1, 2. American Golden Plover 
3. Turnstone. Males. 



Plate 82. 



















































































































•- 




































■ 

- 










* 














American Goshawk 

1. Adult 2. Young. 



Plate 83. 


























. 


























































































1 





























































































* 


Plate 84. 









Pigeon Hawk. 2. Duck Hawk 



i- 














ij* t 


•* *** ■ - 




Plate 85. 















Plate 86, 



1. American Long-eared Owl. 

2. Short-eared Owl. Males. 


\ 








































































































































































Plate 87 



1. Barred Owl. 2. Saw-whet Owl. 

Females. 













Plate 88 











Plate 89. 



1. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 2. Black-billed Cuckoo. 
Males. 







Plate 


90. 


■B 


1. Chimney Swift. 2. 

Kales. 


Bank Swallow. 
















































































1 






















































* 












































































































































/• 


















































































































- 


































'V 





Plate 91. 



1. Crested Flycatcher. 2. Phoebe. 

3. Wood Pewee. 4. Acadian Flycatcher. 

Males. 



















































■ - r 
































































































































- 
































































































































































































t. ' 


- 































































Plate 92. 



i, 2. Evening Grosbeak, Male and Female. 

3. Brown Creeper. 4. Black and White Warbler, Males. 






Plate 93. 



3. American Crossbill. 4. White-winged Crossbill, Mules. 




Plate 94. 



2. Snowiiake. 

4. Magnolia, Warbler. 


1. Tree Sparrow. 

3. Worm-eating Warbler. 








Plate 95. 



1. White-throated Sparrow. 2. Towhee. 

3. White-erowned Sparrow. 4. Water Thrush. 

Males. 










Plate 96. 



1. Northern Shrike. 2. Yellow-breasted Ghat. 
3. Loggerhead Shrike. 4. Gray-cheeked Thrush. 





Plate 97. 



1, 2. Black-throated Blue Warbler, Male and Female. 

3. Black-throated Green Warbler. 4. Parula Warbler, Males. 













Plate 98. 



1. Eooded Warbler. 

3. Kentucky Warbler. 


2. Myrtle Warbler. 

4. Blackburnian Warbler. 












Plate 99 
















1. Tufted Titmouse. 


2. Mocking-bird. 

m 

Males. 


3. Oven-bird. 



* 













Plate ioo. 



1. Wood Thrush. 

3. Hermit Thrush. 


2. Olive-backed Thrush. 
4. Wilson’s Thrush. 
Males. 





























































































































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